Topical skin care formulations comprising plant extracts

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a topical skin composition and corresponding methods for its use that includes an extract from Phaseolus vulgaris, Citris sinensis, Wedelia trilobata, Burretiodendron hsienmu, Bauhinia brachycarpa var. cavaleriei, Cystacanthus paniculatus, Caesalpinia minax, Pueraria wallichii, Tetracentron sinense, Bridelia insulana, Hedyotis verticillata, Syzygium fruticosum, Cercidiphyllum japonicum, Bauhinia glauca, Rhododendron siderophyllum, Cudrania pubescens, Cajanus cajan, Wendlandia uvariifolia, Siegesbeckia glabrescens, Azolla imbricate, Juncus bufonius, Poikilospermum suaveolens, Clerodendrum trichotomum var. fargesii, Porandra ramosa, Annona glabra, Sterculia pexa, Phoebe puwenensis, Myriopteron extensum, Croton lachnocarpa, Dillenia turbinata, Alpinia blepharocalyx, Crotalaria spectabilis, Ficus lacor, Ravenala madagascariensis, Cocculus orbiculatus, Drynaria fortunei, Acrachne racemosa, Pseuderanthemum polyanthum, Eriobotrys serrata, Vernonia arborea, Adianthum caudatum, Phaseolus lunatus, Ipomoea cairica, Alopecurus aequalis, Arenga pinnata, Rhynchosia yunnanensis, Syzygium cumini, Clausena dunniana, Cyclosurus parasiticus, or Solanum carolinense.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/214,182 filed Jul. 19, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/104,193 filed Dec. 12, 2013 (U.S. Pat. No.9,408,801), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/888,068 filed May 6, 2013 (U.S. Pat. No. 8,636,989), which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/453,690, filed Apr.23, 2012 (U.S. Pat. No. 8,444,959), which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/477,812, filed Apr. 21, 2011. Thecontents of each of the referenced applications are incorporated intothe present application by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to compositions that include oneor any combination of plant extracts to treat a variety of skinconditions. The extracts can be included in topical skin compositions,edible compositions, injectible compositions, oral compositions, haircare compositions, etc.

B. Description of Related Art

Ageing, chronic exposure to adverse environmental factors, malnutrition,fatigue, etc., can change the visual appearance, physical properties, orphysiological functions of skin in ways that are considered visuallyundesirable. The most notable and obvious changes include thedevelopment of fine lines and wrinkles, loss of elasticity, increasedsagging, loss of firmness, loss of color evenness or tone, coarsesurface texture, and mottled pigmentation. Less obvious, but measurablechanges which occur as skin ages or endures chronic environmental insultinclude a general reduction in cellular and tissue vitality, reductionin cell replication rates, reduced cutaneous blood flow, reducedmoisture content, accumulated errors in structure and function,alterations in the normal regulation of common biochemical pathways, anda reduction in the skin's ability to remodel and repair itself. Many ofthe alterations in appearance and function of the skin are caused bychanges in the outer epidermal layer of the skin, while others arecaused by changes in the lower dermis.

Previous attempts to improve the visual appearance of skin with knownskin active-ingredients have been shown to have various drawbacks suchas skin irritation and prolonged recovery periods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventors discovered that particular sets of ingredients can be usedto treat certain skin conditions ranging from fine lines or wrinkles,oily skin or excessive sebum production, and skiing having dark spots(e.g., liver spots, age spots, etc.), melasma, hyperpigmentation, anduneven skin tone.

In one instance, for example, there is disclosed a topical skincomposition comprising a first MMP-1 inhibitor, wherein said firstinhibitor can be an extract from Burretiodendron hsienmu, a second MMP-1inhibitor, wherein said second inhibitor can be an extract from Bauhiniabrachycarpa var. cavaleriei, and a third MMP-1 inhibitor, wherein saidthird inhibitor can be an extract from Tetracentron sinense. Thecomposition can take the form of an emulsion (e.g., w/o, o/w, w/si,si/w, w/o/w, w/si/w, o/w/o, si/w/si) a cream, a lotion, a solution, ananhydrous stick, a serum, etc. The composition can include from about0.001% to about 5% by weight of said extract from Burretiodendronhsienmu, from about 0.001% to about 5% by weight of said extract fromBauhinia brachycarpa var. cavaleriei, and from about 0.001% to about 5%by weight of said extract from Tetracentron sinense (ranges inside andout side of the stated range is also contemplated, e.g., 0.0001%, 6%,7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and more). The composition can furtherinclude a moisturization agent, an antioxidant, a structuring orthickening agent, and/or an emulsifier (examples of each of theseingredients is provided below). The composition can further include asilicone containing compound and/or a sunscreen agent (examples of theseingredients are also provided below). The extracts can be aqueousextracts, alcoholic extracts, glycolic extracts, or oil extracts. Inparticular instances, the extracts are aqueous extracts. The extractscan each be obtained from the whole plant of Burretiodendron hsienmu,Bauhinia brachycarpa var. cavaleriei, and Tetracentron sinense, or fromany part of the plant thereof (e.g., root, stem, leaf, flower, seed) atthe exclusion of other parts of the plant. In particular instances, theextracts are aqueous extracts from the whole plants, respectively. Thecomposition can be formulated as a cleanser product, a toner product, amoisturizer product, or a mask product. Additionally, each of the MMP-1inhibitors can also have further functionalities that can be beneficialto skin. For instance, the first MMP-1 inhibitor can also be anantioxidant, a lipoxygenase inhibitor, and a tyrosinase inhibitor. Thesecond MMP-1 inhibitor can also be an antioxidant and a lipoxygenaseinhibitor. The third MMP-1 inhibitor can also be an antioxidant.Further, the combined extracts can be used to treat a variety of skinconditions by applying a composition having said extracts to skin inneed of such treatment. As indicated above, the composition can beeffective in inhibiting MMP-1 activity in skin, which can aid inreducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, looseskin, and/or skin that has an overall aged appearance. The compositioncan also inhibit lipoxygenase actibity, which can further aid in theskin treatment process while having an added benefit of reducing sebumproduction in skin cells, thereby treating the appearance of oily skin.The composition can also inhibit tyrosinase activity, which is a keyenzyme in the pathway for producing melanin. This can be used to reducethe appearance of hyperpigmented skin, sun spots, aged spots, liverspots, melasma, and/or uneven skin tone. Further, the composition can beused to reduce oxidative damage in skin cells, which can provide both atreatment and protection function from reactive oxygen species and thelike. Also, the composition can be a leave-on or rinse of composition.

In another instance, the inventors discovered that a combination ofextracts from Circidiphyllum japonicum, Bauhinia glauca, andRhododendron siderophyllum can be used to inhibit lipoxygenase activityin skin. In this regard, there is disclosed a topical skin compositioncomprising a first lipoxygenase inhibitor, wherein said first inhibitorcan be an extract from Circidiphyllum japonicum, a second lipoxygenaseinhibitor, wherein said second inhibitor can be an extract from Bauhiniaglauca, and a third lipoxygenase inhibitor, wherein said third inhibitorcan be an extract from Rhododendron siderophyllum. The composition cantake the form of an emulsion (e.g., w/o, o/w, w/si, si/w, w/o/w, w/si/w,o/w/o, si/w/si) a cream, a lotion, a solution, an anhydrous stick, aserum, etc. The composition can include from about 0.001% to about 5% byweight of said extract from Circidiphyllum japonicum, from about 0.001%to about 5% by weight of said extract from Bauhinia glauca, and fromabout 0.001% to about 5% by weight of said extract from Rhododendronsiderophyllum (ranges inside and out side of the stated range is alsocontemplated, e.g., 0.0001%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and more).The composition can further include a moisturization agent, anantioxidant, a structuring or thickening agent, and/or an emulsifier(examples of each of these ingredients is provided below). Thecomposition can further include a silicone containing compound and/or asunscreen agent (examples of these ingredients are also provided below).The extracts can be aqueous extracts, alcoholic extracts, glycolicextracts, or oil extracts. In particular instances, the extracts areaqueous extracts. The extracts can each be obtained from the whole plantof Circidiphyllum japonicum, Bauhinia glauca, and Rhododendronsiderophyllum, or from any part of the plant thereof (e.g., root, stem,leaf, flower, seed) at the exclusion of other parts of the plant. Inparticular instances, the extracts are aqueous extracts from the wholeplants, respectively. The composition can be formulated as a cleanserproduct, a toner product, a moisturizer product, or a mask product.Additionally, each of the lipoxygenase inhibitors can also have furtherfunctionalities that can be beneficial to skin. For instance, the firstlipoxygenase inhibitor can also be an antioxidant and a MMP-1 inhibitor.The second lipoxygenase inhibitor can be an antioxidant, a MMP-1inhibitor, and a tyrosinase inhibitor. The third lipoxygenase inhibitorcan be an antioxidant and a MMP-1 inhibitor. Further, the combinedextracts can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions by applying acomposition having said extracts to skin in need of such treatment. Asindicated above, the composition can be effective in inhibitinglipoxygenase activity, which can further aid in the skin treatmentprocess while having an added benefit of reducing sebum production inskin cells, thereby treating the appearance of oily skin. Thecomposition can also inhibit MMP-1 activity in skin, which can aid inreducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, looseskin, and/or skin that has an overall aged appearance. The compositioncan also inhibit tyrosinase activity, which is a key enzyme in thepathway for producing melanin. This can be used to reduce the appearanceof hyperpigmented skin, sun spots, aged spots, liver spots, melasma,and/or uneven skin tone. Further, the composition can be used to reduceoxidative damage in skin cells, which can provide both a treatment andprotection function from reactive oxygen species and the like. Also, thecomposition can be a leave-on or rinse of composition.

In another instance, the inventors discovered that a combination ofextracts from Burretiodendron hsienmu, Bauhinia glauca, and Wendlandiauvariifolia can be used to inhibit tyrosinase activity in skin. In thisregard, there is disclosed a topical skin composition comprising a firsttyrosinase inhibitor, wherein said first inhibitor can be an extractfrom Burretiodendron hsienmu, a second tyrosinase inhibitor, whereinsaid second inhibitor can be an extract from Bauhinia glauca, and athird tyrosinase inhibitor, wherein said third inhibitor can be anextract from Wendlandia uvariifolia. The composition can take the formof an emulsion (e.g., w/o, o/w, w/si, si/w, w/o/w, w/si/w, o/w/o,si/w/si) a cream, a lotion, a solution, an anhydrous stick, a serum,etc. The composition can include from about 0.001% to about 5% by weightof said extract from Burretiodendron hsienmu, from about 0.001% to about5% by weight of said extract from Bauhinia glauca, and from about 0.001%to about 5% by weight of said extract from Wendlandia uvariifolia(ranges inside and out side of the stated range is also contemplated,e.g., 0.0001%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and more). The compositioncan further include a moisturization agent, an antioxidant, astructuring or thickening agent, and/or an emulsifier (examples of eachof these ingredients is provided below). The composition can furtherinclude a silicone containing compound and/or a sunscreen agent(examples of these ingredients are also provided below). The extractscan be aqueous extracts, alcoholic extracts, glycolic extracts, or oilextracts. In particular instances, the extracts are aqueous extracts.The extracts can each be obtained from the whole plant ofBurretiodendron hsienmu, Bauhinia glauca, and Wendlandia uvariifolia, orfrom any part of the plant thereof (e.g., root, stem, leaf, flower,seed) at the exclusion of other parts of the plant. In particularinstances, the extracts are aqueous extracts from the whole plants,respectively. The composition can be formulated as a cleanser product, atoner product, a moisturizer product, or a mask product. Additionally,each of the tyrosinase inhibitors can also have further functionalitiesthat can be beneficial to skin. For instance, the first tyrosinaseinhibitor can also be an antioxidant, a MMP-1 inhibitor, and alipoxygenase inhibitor. The second tyrosinase inhibitor can also be anantioxidant, a MMP-1 inhibitor, and a lipoxygenase inhibitor. The thirdtyrosinase inhibitor can also be an antioxidant and a MMP-1 inhibitor.Further, the combined extracts can be used to treat a variety of skinconditions by applying a composition having said extracts to skin inneed of such treatment. As indicated above, the composition can beeffective in inhibiting tyrosinase activity, which is a key enzyme inthe pathway for producing melanin. This can be used to reduce theappearance of hyperpigmented skin, sun spots, aged spots, liver spots,melasma, and/or uneven skin tone. The composition can also be used toinhibit lipoxygenase activity, which can further aid in the skintreatment process while having an added benefit of reducing sebumproduction in skin cells, thereby treating the appearance of oily skin.The composition can also inhibit MMP-1 activity in skin, which can aidin reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin,loose skin, and/or skin that has an overall aged appearance. Further,the composition can be used to reduce oxidative damage in skin cells,which can provide both a treatment and protection function from reactiveoxygen species and the like. Also, the composition can be a leave-on orrinse of composition.

In addition to the above combinations of ingredients, the inventors alsodiscovered that a wide variety of individual plants and extracts thereofhave therapeutic benefits. These plants and extracts thereof are fromPhaseolus vulgaris, Citris sinensis, Wedelia trilobata, Burretiodendronhsienmu, Bauhinia brachycarpa var. cavaleriei, Cystacanthus paniculatus,Caesalpinia minax, Pueraria wallichii, Tetracentron sinense, Brideliainsulana, Hedyotis verticillata, Syzygium fruticosum, Cercidiphyllumjaponicum, Bauhinia glauca, Rhododendron siderophyllum, Cudraniapubescens, Cajanus cajan, Wendlandia uvariifolia, Siegesbeckiaglabrescens, Azolla imbricate, Juncus bufonius, Poikilospermumsuaveolens, Clerodendrum trichotomum var. fargesii, Porandra ramosa,Annona glabra, Sterculia pexa, Phoebe puwenensis, Myriopteron extensum,Croton lachnocarpa, Dillenia turbinata, Alpinia blepharocalyx,Crotalaria spectabilis, Ficus lacor, Ravenala madagascariensis, Cocculusorbiculatus, Drynaria fortunei, Acrachne racemosa, Pseuderanthemumpolyanthum, Eriobotrys serrata, Vernonia arborea, Adianthum caudatum,Phaseolus lunatus, Ipomoea cairica, Alopecurus aequalis, Arenga pinnata,Rhynchosia yunnanensis, Syzygium cumini, Clausena dunniana, Cyclosurusparasiticus, and/or Solanum carolinense. In particular aspects,compositions of the present invention can include any one of, anycombination of, all of, or at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29,30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47,48, 49, or 50 of said plants or extracts thereof. The plant part can bethe whole plant or part of the plant (e.g., root, bark, sap, stem, leaf,flower, seed, leaf, stem, root, flower, seed, sap, bark, etc.). Theextract can be from the whole plant or part of the plant (e.g., root,bark, sap, stem, leaf, flower, seed, leaf, stem, root, flower, seed,sap, bark, etc.). The extract can be an aqueous extract or a non-aqueousextract. The extract can be extracted with alcohol (e.g., methanol,ethanol propanol, butanol, etc.), glycols, oils, water, etc. Theextracts can be included in compositions such as topical skincompositions, edible compositions, injectible compositions, oralcompositions, pharmaceutical compositions, hair care compositions, etc.The composition can include 0.01% to 20% by weight of said plant, plantpart, and/or extract thereof (or 0.1, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7,0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,19, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 99%, or more or any integer or rangetherein).

In particular aspects, the composition is formulated as topical skincomposition. The composition can have a dermatologically acceptablevehicle or carrier for the plant, plant part, or extract thereof. Thecomposition can further include a moisturizing agent or a humectant, asurfactant, a silicone containing compounds, a UV agent, an oil, and/orother ingredients identified in this specification or those known in theart. The composition can be a lotion, cream, gel, serum, emulsion (e.g.,oil-in-water, water-in-oil, silicone-in-water, water-in-silicone,water-in-oil-in-water, oil-in-water, oil-in-water-in-oil,oil-in-water-in-silicone, etc.), solutions (e.g., aqueous orhydro-alcoholic solutions), anhydrous bases (e.g., lipstick or apowder), ointments, milk, paste, aerosol, solid forms, eye jellies, etc.The composition can be in powdered form (e.g., dried, lyophilized,particulate, etc.). The composition can be formulated for topical skinapplication at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or more times a day duringuse. In other aspects of the present invention, compositions can bestorage stable or color stable, or both. It is also contemplated thatthe viscosity of the composition can be selected to achieve a desiredresult, e.g., depending on the type of composition desired, theviscosity of such composition can be from about 1 cps to well over 1million cps or any range or integer derivable therein (e.g., 2 cps, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 200, 300,400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000,8000, 9000, 10000, 20000, 30000, 40000, 50000, 60000, 70000, 80000,90000, 100000, 200000, 300000, 400000, 500000, 600000, 700000, 800000,900000, 1000000, 2000000, 3000000, 4000000, 5000000, 10000000, cps,etc., as measured on a Brookfield Viscometer using a TC spindle at 2.5rpm at 25° C.).

It is also contemplated that the compositions disclosed throughout thisspecification can be used as a leave-on or rinse-off composition. By wayof example, a leave-on composition can be one that is topically appliedto skin and remains on the skin for a period of time (e.g., at least 5,6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, or 30 minutes, or at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 or 24 hours,or over night or throughout the day). In more particular instances, aleave-on composition remains on the skin for at least 1 hour afterapplication. Alternatively, a rinse-off composition can be a productthat is intended to be applied to the skin and then removed or rinsedfrom the skin (e.g., with water) within a period of time such as lessthan 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 minute(s). An example of a rinse of compositioncan be a skin cleanser, shampoo, conditioner, or soap. An example of aleave-on composition can be a skin moisturizer, sunscreen, mask,overnight cream, or a day cream.

The compositions of the present invention can also be modified to have adesired oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value. In certainnon-limiting aspects, the compositions of the present invention or theplant, plant parts, or extracts thereof identified throughout thisspecification can be modified to have an ORAC value per mg of at leastabout 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19,20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70,80, 90, 95, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 2000,3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, 9000, 10000, 15000, 20000, 30000,50000, 100000 or more or any range derivable therein.

The compositions in non-limiting aspects can have a pH of about 6 toabout 9. In other aspects, the pH can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11, 12, 13, or 14. The compositions can include a triglyceride.Non-limiting examples include small, medium, and large chaintriglycerides. In certain aspects, the triglyceride is a medium chaintriglyceride (e.g., caprylic capric triglyceride). The compositions canalso include preservatives. Non-limiting examples of preservativesinclude methylparaben, propylparaben, or a mixture of methylparaben andpropylparaben.

Compositions of the present invention can have UVA and UVB absorptionproperties. The compositions can have an sun protection factor (SPF) of2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45,50, 55, 60, or more, or any integer or derivative therein. Thecompositions can be sunscreen lotions, sprays, or creams.

The compositions of the present invention can also include any one of,any combination of, or all of the following additional ingredients:water, a chelating agent, a moisturizing agent, a preservative, athickening agent, a silicone containing compound, an essential oil, astructuring agent, a vitamin, a pharmaceutical ingredient, or anantioxidant, or any combination of such ingredients or mixtures of suchingredients. In certain aspects, the composition can include at leasttwo, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or all of theseadditional ingredients identified in the previous sentence. Non-limitingexamples of these additional ingredients are identified throughout thisspecification and are incorporated into this section by reference. Theamounts of such ingredients can range from 0.0001% to 99.9% by weight orvolume of the composition, or any integer or range in between asdisclosed in other sections of this specification, which areincorporated into this paragraph by reference.

In another embodiment, there is disclosed a topical skin carecomposition that includes an one of or combination of the aforementionedplants, plant parts, and/or extracts thereof in combination with any oneof, any combination of, or all of the following ingredients: water;glycerin; butylene glycol; propylene glycol; phenoxyethanol; a chelatingagent (e.g., EDTA, disodium EDTA, trisodium EDTA, EGTA, disodium EGTA,trisodium EGTA, citric acid, phosphoric acid, succinic acid, etc.);steareth-20; chlorhexidine diglunonate; potassium sorbate; and/or apreservative (e.g., methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben,ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, etc.). In particular aspects, thecomposition can further include any one of, any combination of, or allof the following additional ingredients: alcohol; denatured alcohol;glyceryl stearate; dimethicone; PEG-100 stearate; capryl glycol;triethanolamine; maltodextrin; sorbic acid; ethylene brassylate; methyllinalool; isobutyl methyl tetrahydropyranol; ethylhexylglycerin; and/orhexylene glycol. The concentrations of these ingredients can range from0.00001 to 99% by weight or volume of the composition or any integer orrange derivable therein as explained in other portions of thisspecification which are incorporated into this paragraph by reference.In particular aspects, the concentration of water can be at least 35% to80% by weight of water.

In another embodiment, there is disclosed a topical skin carecomposition that includes an one of or combination of the aforementionedplants, plant parts, and/or extracts thereof in combination with any oneof, any combination of, or all of the following ingredients: water;dimethicone; triethanolamine; phenonip; betaine; a chelating agent(e.g., EDTA, disodium EDTA, trisodium EDTA, EGTA, disodium EGTA,trisodium EGTA, citric acid, phosphoric acid, succinic acid, etc.);tocopheryl acetate; and/or prodew 400. In particular aspects, thecomposition can further include any one of, any combination of, or allof the following additional ingredients: propylene glycol; isododecane;polyacrylamide/C13-C14 isoparaffin/laureth 7 mixture; PEG-12dimethicone; and/or ethylhexyl palmitate. The concentrations of theseingredients can range from 0.00001 to 99% by weight or volume of thecomposition or any integer or range derivable therein as explained inother portions of this specification which are incorporated into thisparagraph by reference. In particular aspects, the concentration ofwater can be at least 35% to 80% by weight of water.

In another embodiment, there is disclosed a topical skin carecomposition that includes an one of or combination of the aforementionedplants, plant parts, and/or extracts thereof in combination with any oneof, any combination of, or all of the following ingredients: water;glycerin; pentylene glycol; capryl glycol; disodium EDTA;capric/caprylic triglyceride; shea butter; squalane; cetyl alcohol;dimethicone; ceramide II; stearic acid; a mixture of glyceryl stearateand PEG 100 stearate; or a mixture of acrylamide/acryloyl dimethyltaurate copolymer, isohexadecane, and polysorbate 80. The concentrationsof these ingredients can range from 0.00001 to 99% by weight or volumeof the composition or any integer or range derivable therein asexplained in other portions of this specification which are incorporatedinto this paragraph by reference. In particular aspects, theconcentration of water can be at least 35% to 80% by weight of water.The ratio of water to glycerin can be from about 7:1 to 9:1 based on thetotal weight of the composition. The ratio of glycerin to pentyleneglycol can be from about 1:1 to about 2:1 based on the total weight ofthe composition.

In another embodiment, there is disclosed a topical skin carecomposition that includes any one of or combination of theaforementioned plants, plant parts, and/or extracts thereof incombination with any one of, any combination of, or all of the followingingredients: water; glycerin; capryl glycol; capryl glycol; disodiumEDTA; petrolatum; squalane; cetyl alcohol; a mixture of glycerylstearate and PEG 100 stearate; dimethicone; or a mixture ofacrylamide/acryloyl dimethyl taurate copolymer, isohexadecane, andpolysorbate 80. The concentrations of these ingredients can range from0.00001 to 99% by weight or volume of the composition or any integer orrange derivable therein as explained in other portions of thisspecification which are incorporated into this paragraph by reference.In particular aspects, the concentration of water can be at least 35% to80% by weight of water. The ratio of water to glycerin can be from about12:1 to 16:1 based on the total weight of the composition. The ratio ofglycerin to pentylene glycol can be from about 0.5:1 to about 1.5:1based on the total weight of the composition.

In another embodiment, there is disclosed a topical skin carecomposition that includes any one of or combination of theaforementioned plants, plant parts, and/or extracts thereof incombination with any one of, any combination of, or all of the followingingredients: water; xanthan gum; disodium EDTA; pentylene glycol; caprylglycol; acrylate C10-30 acrylate cross polymer; triethanolamine;PVP/hexadecene copolymer; C12-15 alkyl benzoate; sorbitan isostearate;or a sunscreen agent. The concentrations of these ingredients can rangefrom 0.00001 to 99% by weight or volume of the composition or anyinteger or range derivable therein as explained in other portions ofthis specification which are incorporated into this paragraph byreference. In particular aspects, the concentration of water can be atleast 35% to 80% by weight of water. The ratio of water to C12-15 alkylbenzoate can be from about 2:1 to 3:1 based on the total weight of thecomposition. The ratio of water to pentylene glycol can be from about9:1 to about 11:1 based on the total weight of the composition.

In another embodiment, there is disclosed a topical skin carecomposition that includes any one of or combination of theaforementioned plants, plant parts, and/or extracts thereof incombination with any one of, any combination of, or all of the followingingredients: water; disodium EDTA; citric acid; pentylene glycol; caprylglycol; sodium cocoamphodiacetate; or sodium methyl cocoyl taurate. Theconcentrations of these ingredients can range from 0.00001 to 99% byweight or volume of the composition or any integer or range derivabletherein as explained in other portions of this specification which areincorporated into this paragraph by reference. In particular aspects,the concentration of water can be at least 35% to 80% by weight ofwater. The ratio of water to pentylene glycol can be from about 12:1 to14:1 based on the total weight of the composition. The ratio of water tosodium cocoamphodiacetate can be from about 8:1 to about 11:1 based onthe total weight of the composition. The ratio of water to sodium methylcocoyl taurate can be from about 2:1 to about 4:1 based on the totalweight of the composition. The ratio of sodium methyl cocoyl taurate tosodium cocoamphodiacetate can be from about 2:1 to about 4:1 based onthe total weight of the composition.

Also disclosed is an extract from Phaseolus vulgaris, Citris sinensis,Wedelia trilobata, Burretiodendron hsienmu, Bauhinia brachycarpa var.cavaleriei, Cystacanthus paniculatus, Caesalpinia minax, Puerariawallichii, Tetracentron sinense, Bridelia insulana, Hedyotisverticillata, Syzygium fruticosum, Cercidiphyllum japonicum, Bauhiniaglauca, Rhododendron siderophyllum, Cudrania pubescens, Cajanus cajan,Wendlandia uvariifolia, Siegesbeckia glabrescens, Azolla imbricate,Juncus bufonius, Poikilospermum suaveolens, Clerodendrum trichotomumvar. fargesii, Porandra ramosa, Annona glabra, Sterculia pexa, Phoebepuwenensis, Myriopteron extensum, Croton lachnocarpa, Dilleniaturbinata, Alpinia blepharocalyx, Crotalaria spectabilis, Ficus lacor,Ravenala madagascariensis, Cocculus orbiculatus, Drynaria fortunei,Acrachne racemosa, Pseuderanthemum polyanthum, Eriobotrys serrata,Vernonia arborea, Adianthum caudatum, Phaseolus lunatus, Ipomoeacairica, Alopecurus aequalis, Arenga pinnata, Rhynchosia yunnanensis,Syzygium cumini, Clausena dunniana, Cyclosurus parasiticus, and/orSolanum carolinense. The extract can be from the whole plant or part ofthe plant (e.g., root, bark, sap, stem, leaf, flower, seed, leaf, stem,root, flower, seed, sap, bark, etc.), or mixtures from different partsof the plant. The extract can be an aqueous extract or a non-aqueousextract. The extract can be extracted with alcohol (e.g., methanol,ethanol propanol, butanol, etc.), glycols, oils, water, etc. Theextracts can be included in a composition. The composition can include0.01% to 20% by weight of said plant, plant part, and/or extract thereof(or 0.1, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70,80, 90, 99%, or more or any integer or range therein). The compositioncan include any one of, any combination of, all of, or at least 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40,41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50 of said plants, plant parts,or extracts thereof. The composition can be an edible composition. Thecomposition can take the form of a pill, liquid gel cap, tablet, orpowder. The composition can be an injectable solution (e.g., forintravenous delivery). The composition can be in the form of aneutraceutical. The composition can be a topical skin composition. Thecomposition can be in aerosolized form. The extract can be an aqueous ora non-aqueous extract. The aqueous extract can include an alcohol, aglycol, water and/or water. Non-aqueous extract can include a fat or anoil.

One aspect of the present invention concerns a method of treating orpreventing a skin condition comprising topically applying any one of thecompositions disclosed in this specification to skin having a skincondition. As noted throughout, the composition can include a plant,plant part, or extract thereof from Phaseolus vulgaris, Citris sinensis,Wedelia trilobata, Burretiodendron hsienmu, Bauhinia brachycarpa var.cavaleriei, Cystacanthus paniculatus, Caesalpinia minax, Puerariawallichii, Tetracentron sinense, Bridelia insulana, Hedyotisverticillata, Syzygium fruticosum, Cercidiphyllum japonicum, Bauhiniaglauca, Rhododendron siderophyllum, Cudrania pubescens, Cajanus cajan,Wendlandia uvariifolia, Siegesbeckia glabrescens, Azolla imbricate,Juncus bufonius, Poikilospermum suaveolens, Clerodendrum trichotomumvar. fargesii, Porandra ramosa, Annona glabra, Sterculia pexa, Phoebepuwenensis, Myriopteron extensum, Croton lachnocarpa, Dilleniaturbinata, Alpinia blepharocalyx, Crotalaria spectabilis, Ficus lacor,Ravenala madagascariensis, Cocculus orbiculatus, Drynaria fortunei,Acrachne racemosa, Pseuderanthemum polyanthum, Eriobotrys serrata,Vernonia arborea, Adianthum caudatum, Phaseolus lunatus, Ipomoeacairica, Alopecurus aequalis, Arenga pinnata, Rhynchosia yunnanensis,Syzygium cumini, Clausena dunniana, Cyclosurus parasiticus, and/orSolanum carolinense. The composition can include any one of, anycombination of, all of, or at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29,30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47,48, 49, or 50 of said plants, plant parts, and/or extracts thereof. Theplant part can be the whole plant or part of the plant (e.g., root,bark, sap, stem, leaf, flower, seed, leaf, stem, root, flower, seed,sap, bark, etc.). The extract can be from the whole plant or part of theplant (e.g., root, bark, sap, stem, leaf, flower, seed, leaf, stem,root, flower, seed, sap, bark, etc.). The extract can be an aqueousextract or a non-aqueous extract. The extract can be extracted withalcohol (e.g., methanol, ethanol propanol, butanol, etc.), glycols,oils, water, etc. The composition can include a dermatoligicallyacceptable vehicle. Non-limiting examples of skin conditions that can betreated and/or prevented with the compositions of the present inventioninclude dry skin, itchy skin, flaky skin, inflamed skin, erythemic skin,pain associated with erythemic skin, sensitive skin, pruritus, spiderveins, lentigo, age spots, senile purpura, keratosis, melasma, blotches,fine lines or wrinkles, nodules, sun damaged skin, dermatitis(including, but not limited to seborrheic dermatitis, nummulardermatitis, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, exfoliativedermatitis, perioral dermatitis, and stasis dermatitis), psoriasis,folliculitis, rosacea, acne, postules, nodules, whiteheads, blackheads,impetigo, erysipelas, erythrasma, eczema, sun burns, burned skin, openwounds, skin-inflammatory skin conditions, etc. In certain non-limitingaspects, the skin condition can be caused by exposure to UV light, age,irradiation, chronic sun exposure, environmental pollutants, airpollution, wind, cold, heat, chemicals, disease pathologies, smoking, orlack of nutrition. The skin can be facial skin or non-facial skin (e.g.,arms, legs, hands, chest, back, feet, etc.). The method can furthercomprise identifying a person in need of skin treatment. The person canbe a male or female. The age of the person can be at least 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75,80, 85, 90, 95, or more years old, or any range derivable therein. Themethod can also include topically applying an amount effective to:increase the stratum corneum turnover rate of the skin; increasecollagen synthesis in fibroblasts; increase cellular anti-oxidantdefense mechanisms (e.g., exogenous additions of anti-oxidants canbolster, replenish, or prevent the loss of cellular antioxidants such ascatalase and glutathione in skin cells (e.g., keratinocytes,melanocytes, langerhans cells, etc.) which will reduce or preventoxidative damage to the skin, cellular, proteins, and lipids); inhibitmelanin production in melanocytes; reduce or prevent oxidative damage toskin (including reducing the amount lipid peroxides and/or proteinoxidation in the skin).

In yet another embodiment, the extracts disclosed throughout thisspecification can be used treat skin conditions or diseases associatedwith oxidation of skin cells (e.g., extracts that have antioxidativeproperties), tyrosinase activity (e.g., extracts that have the abilityto modify or otherwise inhibit tyrosinase activity in skin cells),lipoxygenase activity (e.g., extracts that have the ability to modify orotherwise inhibit lipoxygenase activity), and/or MMP-1 activity (e.g.,extracts that have the ability to modify or otherwise inhibit MMP-1activity). The data in the Examples and the information provided in theDetailed Description concerning the extracts provide information on theantioxidant, tyrosinase inhibition, lipoxygenase inhibition, and MMP-1inhibition abilities of said extracts. In particular embodiments,extracts that have antioxidant properties can be used to treat, prevent,or reduce oxidative damage to skin cells from external environmentalfactors (e.g., pollution, sun, chemicals, etc.). Extracts havingtyrosinase inhibiton properties can be used to reduce or otherwiseprevent tyrosinase production or activity in skin cells, which can beused to treat hyperpigmented skin, uneven skin, melasmic skin, darkspots, aged spots, sun spots, blotchy skin, etc. Extracts having MMP-1inhibition properties can be used to maintain or prevent collagenbreakdown in skin cells and can be used to treat or prevent fine linesand wrinkles, sagging skin, loose skin, etc.

In one embodiment of the present invention there is disclosed a methodof reducing the appearance of symptoms associated with erythema (e.g.,erythemic skin, sensitive skin, inflamed skin) comprising topicallyapplying any one of the compositions of the present invention to skin inneed thereof. Erythema can be caused by skin sunburn, electricaltreatments of skin, skin burns, contact allergies, systemic allergies,skin toxicity, exercise, insect stings, bacterial infection, viralinfection, fungal infection, protozoa infection, massage, windburn, etc.As noted throughout, the composition can include a plant, plant part, orextract thereof from Phaseolus vulgaris, Citris sinensis, Wedeliatrilobata, Burretiodendron hsienmu, Bauhinia brachycarpa var.cavaleriei, Cystacanthus paniculatus, Caesalpinia minax, Puerariawallichii, Tetracentron sinense, Bridelia insulana, Hedyotisverticillata, Syzygium fruticosum, Cercidiphyllum japonicum, Bauhiniaglauca, Rhododendron siderophyllum, Cudrania pubescens, Cajanus cajan,Wendlandia uvariifolia, Siegesbeckia glabrescens, Azolla imbricate,Juncus bufonius, Poikilospermum suaveolens, Clerodendrum trichotomumvar. fargesii, Porandra ramosa, Annona glabra, Sterculia pexa, Phoebepuwenensis, Myriopteron extensum, Croton lachnocarpa, Dilleniaturbinata, Alpinia blepharocalyx, Crotalaria spectabilis, Ficus lacor,Ravenala madagascariensis, Cocculus orbiculatus, Drynaria fortunei,Acrachne racemosa, Pseuderanthemum polyanthum, Eriobotrys serrata,Vernonia arborea, Adianthum caudatum, Phaseolus lunatus, Ipomoeacairica, Alopecurus aequalis, Arenga pinnata, Rhynchosia yunnanensis,Syzygium cumini, Clausena dunniana, Cyclosurus parasiticus, and/orSolanum carolinense. The composition can include any one of, anycombination of, all of, or at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29,30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47,48, 49, or 50 of said plants, plant parts, and/or extracts thereof. Theplant part can be the whole plant or part of the plant (e.g., root,bark, sap, stem, leaf, flower, seed, leaf, stem, root, flower, seed,sap, bark, etc.). The extract can be from the whole plant or part of theplant (e.g., root, bark, sap, stem, leaf, flower, seed, leaf, stem,root, flower, seed, sap, bark, etc.). The extract can be an aqueousextract or a non-aqueous extract. The extract can be extracted withalcohol (e.g., methanol, ethanol propanol, butanol, etc.), glycols,oils, water, etc.

In still another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed amethod of treating dry, flaky, or itchy skin or reducing the appearanceof uneven skin tone comprising topically applying any one of thecompositions disclosed in this specification to dry, flaky, or itchyskin or to skin having an uneven skin tone. As noted throughout, thecomposition can include a plant, plant part, or extract thereof fromPhaseolus vulgaris, Citris sinensis, Wedelia trilobata, Burretiodendronhsienmu, Bauhinia brachycarpa var. cavaleriei, Cystacanthus paniculatus,Caesalpinia minax, Pueraria wallichii, Tetracentron sinense, Brideliainsulana, Hedyotis verticillata, Syzygium fruticosum, Cercidiphyllumjaponicum, Bauhinia glauca, Rhododendron siderophyllum, Cudraniapubescens, Cajanus cajan, Wendlandia uvariifolia, Siegesbeckiaglabrescens, Azolla imbricate, Juncus bufonius, Poikilospermumsuaveolens, Clerodendrum trichotomum var. fargesii, Porandra ramosa,Annona glabra, Sterculia pexa, Phoebe puwenensis, Myriopteron extensum,Croton lachnocarpa, Dillenia turbinata, Alpinia blepharocalyx,Crotalaria spectabilis, Ficus lacor, Ravenala madagascariensis, Cocculusorbiculatus, Drynaria fortunei, Acrachne racemosa, Pseuderanthemumpolyanthum, Eriobotrys serrata, Vernonia arborea, Adianthum caudatum,Phaseolus lunatus, Ipomoea cairica, Alopecurus aequalis, Arenga pinnata,Rhynchosia yunnanensis, Syzygium cumini, Clausena dunniana, Cyclosurusparasiticus, and/or Solanum carolinense. The composition can include anyone of, any combination of, all of, or at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26,27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44,45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50 of said plants, plant parts, and/or extractsthereof. The plant part can be the whole plant or part of the plant(e.g., root, bark, sap, stem, leaf, flower, seed, leaf, stem, root,flower, seed, sap, bark, etc.). The extract can be from the whole plantor part of the plant (e.g., root, bark, sap, stem, leaf, flower, seed,leaf, stem, root, flower, seed, sap, bark, etc.). The extract can be anaqueous extract or a non-aqueous extract. The extract can be extractedwith alcohol (e.g., methanol, ethanol propanol, butanol, etc.), glycols,oils, water, etc.

Also disclosed is a method of reducing the appearance of fine lines orwrinkles comprising topically applying any one of the compositionsdisclosed in this specification to skin having fine lines or wrinkles.As noted throughout, the composition can include a plant, plant part, orextract thereof from Phaseolus vulgaris, Citris sinensis, Wedeliatrilobata, Burretiodendron hsienmu, Bauhinia brachycarpa var.cavaleriei, Cystacanthus paniculatus, Caesalpinia minax, Puerariawallichii, Tetracentron sinense, Bridelia insulana, Hedyotisverticillata, Syzygium fruticosum, Cercidiphyllum japonicum, Bauhiniaglauca, Rhododendron siderophyllum, Cudrania pubescens, Cajanus cajan,Wendlandia uvariifolia, Siegesbeckia glabrescens, Azolla imbricate,Juncus bufonius, Poikilospermum suaveolens, Clerodendrum trichotomumvar. fargesii, Porandra ramosa, Annona glabra, Sterculia pexa, Phoebepuwenensis, Myriopteron extensum, Croton lachnocarpa, Dilleniaturbinata, Alpinia blepharocalyx, Crotalaria spectabilis, Ficus lacor,Ravenala madagascariensis, Cocculus orbiculatus, Drynaria fortunei,Acrachne racemosa, Pseuderanthemum polyanthum, Eriobotrys serrata,Vernonia arborea, Adianthum caudatum, Phaseolus lunatus, Ipomoeacairica, Alopecurus aequalis, Arenga pinnata, Rhynchosia yunnanensis,Syzygium cumini, Clausena dunniana, Cyclosurus parasiticus, and/orSolanum carolinense. The composition can include any one of, anycombination of, all of, or at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29,30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47,48, 49, or 50 of said plants, plant parts, and/or extracts thereof. Theplant part can be the whole plant or part of the plant (e.g., root,bark, sap, stem, leaf, flower, seed, leaf, stem, root, flower, seed,sap, bark, etc.). The extract can be from the whole plant or part of theplant (e.g., root, bark, sap, stem, leaf, flower, seed, leaf, stem,root, flower, seed, sap, bark, etc.). The extract can be an aqueousextract or a non-aqueous extract. The extract can be extracted withalcohol (e.g., methanol, ethanol propanol, butanol, etc.), glycols,oils, water, etc.

In certain embodiments, compositions of the present invention candecrease the amount of internal oxidation and/or external oxidativedamage in a cell. In other aspects, the compositions can increasecollagen synthesis in a cell. The compositions can also reduce skininflammation, such as by reducing inflammatory cytokine production in acell. Non-limiting examples of such cells include human epidermalkeratinocyte, human fibroblast dermal cell, human melanocytes, threedimensional human cell-derived in vitro tissue equivalents comprisinghuman keratinocytes, human fibroblasts, or human melanocytes, or anycombination thereof (e.g., combination of human keratinocytes and humanfibroblasts or a combination of human keratinocytes and humanmelanocytes).

Also disclosed is a method of treating hyperpigmentation comprisingapplying the compositions of the present invention to the skin. Themethod can also comprise identifying a person in need of treatinghyperpigmentation and applying the composition to a portion of the skinexhibiting hyperpigmentation. Additional methods contemplated by theinventors include methods for reducing the appearance of an age spot, askin discoloration, or a freckle, reducing or preventing the appearanceof fine lines or wrinkles in skin, or increasing the firmness of skin byapplying the compositions of the present invention to skin in need ofsuch treatment. As noted throughout, the composition can include aplant, plant part, or extract thereof from Phaseolus vulgaris, Citrissinensis, Wedelia trilobata, Burretiodendron hsienmu, Bauhiniabrachycarpa var. cavaleriei, Cystacanthus paniculatus, Caesalpiniaminax, Pueraria wallichii, Tetracentron sinense, Bridelia insulana,Hedyotis verticillata, Syzygium fruticosum, Cercidiphyllum japonicum,Bauhinia glauca, Rhododendron siderophyllum, Cudrania pubescens, Cajanuscajan, Wendlandia uvariifolia, Siegesbeckia glabrescens, Azollaimbricate, Juncus bufonius, Poikilospermum suaveolens, Clerodendrumtrichotomum var. fargesii, Porandra ramosa, Annona glabra, Sterculiapexa, Phoebe puwenensis, Myriopteron extensum, Croton lachnocarpa,Dillenia turbinata, Alpinia blepharocalyx, Crotalaria spectabilis, Ficuslacor, Ravenala madagascariensis, Cocculus orbiculatus, Drynariafortunei, Acrachne racemosa, Pseuderanthemum polyanthum, Eriobotrysserrata, Vernonia arborea, Adianthum caudatum, Phaseolus lunatus,Ipomoea cairica, Alopecurus aequalis, Arenga pinnata, Rhynchosiayunnanensis, Syzygium cumini, Clausena dunniana, Cyclosurus parasiticus,and/or Solanum carolinense. The composition can include any one of, anycombination of, all of, or at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29,30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47,48, 49, or 50 of said plants, plant parts, and/or extracts thereof. Theplant part can be the whole plant or part of the plant (e.g., root,bark, sap, stem, leaf, flower, seed, leaf, stem, root, flower, seed,sap, bark, etc.). The extract can be from the whole plant or part of theplant (e.g., root, bark, sap, stem, leaf, flower, seed, leaf, stem,root, flower, seed, sap, bark, etc.). The extract can be an aqueousextract or a non-aqueous extract. The extract can be extracted withalcohol (e.g., methanol, ethanol propanol, butanol, etc.), glycols,oils, water, etc.

In yet another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed amethod of treating or preventing a wide variety of diseases comprisingadministering to a patient in need of treatment any one of thecompositions of the present invention. As noted throughout, thecomposition can include a plant, plant part, or extract thereof fromPhaseolus vulgaris, Citris sinensis, Wedelia trilobata, Burretiodendronhsienmu, Bauhinia brachycarpa var. cavaleriei, Cystacanthus paniculatus,Caesalpinia minax, Pueraria wallichii, Tetracentron sinense, Brideliainsulana, Hedyotis verticillata, Syzygium fruticosum, Cercidiphyllumjaponicum, Bauhinia glauca, Rhododendron siderophyllum, Cudraniapubescens, Cajanus cajan, Wendlandia uvariifolia, Siegesbeckiaglabrescens, Azolla imbricate, Juncus bufonius, Poikilospermumsuaveolens, Clerodendrum trichotomum var. fargesii, Porandra ramosa,Annona glabra, Sterculia pexa, Phoebe puwenensis, Myriopteron extensum,Croton lachnocarpa, Dillenia turbinata, Alpinia blepharocalyx,Crotalaria spectabilis, Ficus lacor, Ravenala madagascariensis, Cocculusorbiculatus, Drynaria fortunei, Acrachne racemosa, Pseuderanthemumpolyanthum, Eriobotrys serrata, Vernonia arborea, Adianthum caudatum,Phaseolus lunatus, Ipomoea cairica, Alopecurus aequalis, Arenga pinnata,Rhynchosia yunnanensis, Syzygium cumini, Clausena dunniana, Cyclosurusparasiticus, and/or Solanum carolinense. The composition can include anyone of, any combination of, all of, or at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26,27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44,45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50 of said plants, plant parts, and/or extractsthereof. The plant part can be the whole plant or part of the plant(e.g., root, bark, sap, stem, leaf, flower, seed, leaf, stem, root,flower, seed, sap, bark, etc.). The extract can be from the whole plantor part of the plant (e.g., root, bark, sap, stem, leaf, flower, seed,leaf, stem, root, flower, seed, sap, bark, etc.). The extract can be anaqueous extract or a non-aqueous extract. The extract can be extractedwith alcohol (e.g., methanol, ethanol propanol, butanol, etc.), glycols,oils, water, etc. The composition can be formulated as a topicalcomposition, an ingestible composition, an injectible composition, anaerosolized composition, etc. Non-limiting examples of diseases that canbe treated or prevented with such compositions include AIDS, autoimmunediseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis,diabetes-insulin-dependent and non-independent, systemic lupuserythematosus and Graves disease), cancer (e.g., malignant, benign,metastatic, precancer), cardiovascular diseases (e.g., heart disease orcoronary artery disease, stroke-ischemic and hemorrhagic, and rheumaticheart disease), diseases of the nervous system, and infection bypathogenic microorganisms (e.g., Athlete's Foot, Chickenpox, Commoncold, Diarrheal diseases, Flu, Genital herpes, Malaria, Meningitis,Pneumonia, Sinusitis, Skin diseases, Strep throat, Tuberculosis, Urinarytract infections, Vaginal infections, Viral hepatitis), inflammation(e.g., allergy, asthma), prion diseases (e.g., CID, kuru, GSS, FFI),obesity, etc.

Also disclosed is a method thickening hair or treating or preventinghair loss on the scalp (e.g., male-pattern baldness, female-patternbaldness, cicatricial alopecia, alopecia areata telogen effluvium,traction alopecia, anagen effluvium), eyebrows, or eyelashes comprisingadministering to a patient in need of any such treatment any one of thecompositions of the present invention. As noted throughout, thecomposition can include a plant, plant part, or extract thereof fromPhaseolus vulgaris, Citris sinensis, Wedelia trilobata, Burretiodendronhsienmu, Bauhinia brachycarpa var. cavaleriei, Cystacanthus paniculatus,Caesalpinia minax, Pueraria wallichii, Tetracentron sinense, Brideliainsulana, Hedyotis verticillata, Syzygium fruticosum, Cercidiphyllumjaponicum, Bauhinia glauca, Rhododendron siderophyllum, Cudraniapubescens, Cajanus cajan, Wendlandia uvariifolia, Siegesbeckiaglabrescens, Azolla imbricate, Juncus bufonius, Poikilospermumsuaveolens, Clerodendrum trichotomum var. fargesii, Porandra ramosa,Annona glabra, Sterculia pexa, Phoebe puwenensis, Myriopteron extensum,Croton lachnocarpa, Dillenia turbinata, Alpinia blepharocalyx,Crotalaria spectabilis, Ficus lacor, Ravenala madagascariensis, Cocculusorbiculatus, Drynaria fortunei, Acrachne racemosa, Pseuderanthemumpolyanthum, Eriobotrys serrata, Vernonia arborea, Adianthum caudatum,Phaseolus lunatus, Ipomoea cairica, Alopecurus aequalis, Arenga pinnata,Rhynchosia yunnanensis, Syzygium cumini, Clausena dunniana, Cyclosurusparasiticus, and/or Solanum carolinense. The composition can include anyone of, any combination of, all of, or at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26,27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44,45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50 of said plants, plant parts, and/or extractsthereof. The plant part can be the whole plant or part of the plant(e.g., root, bark, sap, stem, leaf, flower, seed, leaf, stem, root,flower, seed, sap, bark, etc.). The extract can be from the whole plantor part of the plant (e.g., root, bark, sap, stem, leaf, flower, seed,leaf, stem, root, flower, seed, sap, bark, etc.). The extract can be anaqueous extract or a non-aqueous extract. The extract can be extractedwith alcohol (e.g., methanol, ethanol propanol, butanol, etc.), glycols,oils, water, etc. The composition can be formulated as a topicalcomposition, an ingestible composition, an injectible composition, anaerosolized composition, a foam based composition etc. An assay that canbe used to test a composition's ability to thicken hair or treat orprevent hair loss is to apply test composition to a targeted area andmeasure new hair growth or rate of hair loss when compared with acontroled area that is not receiving the test composition. The methodcan also include combining any one of the compositions of the presentinvention with known hair loss or hair thickening treatnments (e.g., 5-αreductase inhibitors (e.g., finasteride, dutasteride, saw palmettoextract etc.), vasodilators (e.g., minoxidil), ketoconazole, hairtransplantation procedures, hair multiplication procedures, lasertherapy, caffeine, etc.).

In one particular non-limiting embodiment, the extract or extracts usedin any one of the treatment methods described above and throughout thisspecification and claims is prepared in accordance with the proceduresdescribed in FIG. 1. The contents of FIG. 1 are incorporated byreference.

Multipurpose compositions are also contemplated. For instance,compositions that can have antioxidant properties, inhibit or reducelipoxygenase activity, inhibit or reduce tyrosinase activity, and/orinhibition or reduce MMP-1 activity, or any 2, 3, 4, or all of suchproperties is contemplated. Such compositions can be prepared in view ofthe information provided in the Detailed Description and Examplessections of this specification, which explains the abilities of theextracts.

The compositions of the present invention can also take the form oftopically spreadable compositions, sprayable compositions, aerosolizedcompositions, injectible compositions, edible compositions, compositionsin tablet, gel cap, or pill form. The extract used within thecompositions and methods of the present invention can be aqueousextracts, alcoholic extracts, glycolic extracts, oil extracts, or anycombination thereof. The compositions can be in powdered form, liquidform, or aerosolized form. The extracts can prepared in accordance withthe process described in FIG. 1.

Kits that include the compositions of the present invention are alsocontemplated. In certain embodiments, the composition is comprised in acontainer. The container can be a bottle, dispenser, or package. Thecontainer can dispense a pre-determined amount of the composition. Incertain aspects, the compositions is dispensed in a spray, dollop, orliquid. The container can include indicia on its surface. The indiciacan be a word, an abbreviation, a picture, or a symbol.

Also contemplated is a product comprising a composition of the presentinvention. In non-limiting aspects, the product can be a cosmeticproduct. The cosmetic product can be those described in other sectionsof this specification or those known to a person of skill in the art.Non-limiting examples of products include a moisturizer, a cream, alotion, a skin softener, a foundation, a night cream, a lipstick, acleanser, a toner, a sunscreen, a mask, an anti-aging product, adeodorant, an antiperspirant, a perfume, a cologne, etc.

It is also contemplated that compositions of the present invention canbe included into food-based products (e.g., beverages, fortified water,energy drinks, nutritional drinks, solid foods, vitamins, supplements,etc.) and pharmaceutical products (e.g., pills, tablets, gel capsules,injectible solutions, drugs, etc.). “Supplements” can include vitamins,minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes andmetabolites. Such supplements are suitable for oral consumption and canbe administered orally.

The compositions and methods for their use can “comprise,” “consistessentially of,” or “consist of” any of the ingredients disclosedthroughout the specification. “Consisting essentially of” means thatinclusion of additional ingredients in the compositions do notmaterially affect the beneficial properties of the compositions. Forinstance, if a composition “consists essentially of” an MMP-1 inhibitor,a lipoxygenase inhibitor, and/or a tyrosinase inhibitor, then saidcomposition excludes any ingredients that would materially affect thebeneficial properties of said inhibitor. Similarly, if a composition“consists essentially of” an antioxidant, then said composition excludesany ingredients that would materially affect the beneficial propertiesof said antioxidant.

Further, the contents of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/869,352, filedAug. 26, 2010, International Application No. PCT/US/10/46791, filed Aug.26, 2010, and U.S. provisional Application No. 61/237,087, filed Aug.26, 2009 are incorporated by reference into the present application.

It is contemplated that any embodiment discussed in this specificationcan be implemented with respect to any method or composition of theinvention, and vice versa. Furthermore, compositions of the inventioncan be used to achieve methods of the invention.

In one embodiment, the topical skin compositions of the currentinvention are pharmaceutically elegant. “Pharmaceutically elegant”describes a composition that has particular tactile properties whichfeel pleasant on the skin (e.g., compositions that are not too watery orgreasy, compositions that have a silky texture, compositions that arenon-tacky or sticky, etc.). Pharmaceutically elegant can also relate tothe creaminess or lubricity properties of the composition or to themoisture retaining properties of the composition.

“Keratinous tissue” includes keratin-containing layers disposed as theoutermost protective covering of mammals and includes, but is notlimited to, skin, hair and nails.

“Topical application” means to apply or spread a composition onto thesurface of keratinous tissue. “Topical skin composition” includescompositions suitable for topical application on keratinous tissue. Suchcompositions are typically dermatologically-acceptable in that they donot have undue toxicity, incompatibility, instability, allergicresponse, and the like, when applied to skin. Topical skin carecompositions of the present invention can have a selected viscosity toavoid significant dripping or pooling after application to skin.

The term “about” or “approximately” are defined as being close to asunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limitingembodiment the terms are defined to be within 10%, preferably within 5%,more preferably within 1%, and most preferably within 0.5%.

The terms “inhibiting” or “reducing” or any variation of these terms,when used in the claims and/or the specification includes any measurabledecrease or complete inhibition to achieve a desired result.

The term “effective,” as that term is used in the specification and/orclaims, means adequate to accomplish a desired, expected, or intendedresult.

The words “comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise”and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and“has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as “includes” and“include”) or “containing” (and any form of containing, such as“contains” and “contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not excludeadditional, unrecited elements or method steps.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description. It should beunderstood, however, that the detailed description and the examples,while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by wayof illustration only. Additionally, it is contemplated that changes andmodifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings form part of the present specification and areincluded to further demonstrate certain aspects of the presentinvention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one ormore of these drawings in combination with the detailed description ofspecific embodiments presented below.

FIG. 1. Extraction process used to obtain extracts from each of thefollowing plants (note that although the whole plant was used in theextract process for each of the Extracts to obtain the data in theExamples, plant parts are also contemplated and can be used by theprocess described in FIG. 1—e.g., stem, bark, root, flower, seed, fruit,leaf, sap etc.): Phaseolus vulgaris, Citris sinensis, Wedelia trilobata,Burretiodendron hsienmu, Bauhinia brachycarpa var. cavaleriei,Cystacanthus paniculatus, Caesalpinia minax, Pueraria wallichii,Tetracentron sinense, Bridelia insulana, Hedyotis verticillata, Syzygiumfruticosum, Cercidiphyllum japonicum, Bauhinia glauca, Rhododendronsiderophyllum, Cudrania pubescens, Cajanus cajan, Wendlandiauvariifolia, Siegesbeckia glabrescens, Azolla imbricate, Juncusbufonius, Poikilospermum suaveolens, Clerodendrum trichotomum var.fargesii, Porandra ramosa, Annona glabra, Sterculia pexa, Phoebepuwenensis, Myriopteron extensum, Croton lachnocarpa, Dilleniaturbinata, Alpinia blepharocalyx, Crotalaria spectabilis, Ficus lacor,Ravenala madagascariensis, Cocculus orbiculatus, Drynaria fortunei,Acrachne racemosa, Pseuderanthemum polyanthum, Eriobotrys serrata,Vernonia arborea, Adianthum caudatum, Phaseolus lunatus, Ipomoeacairica, Alopecurus aequalis, Arenga pinnata, Rhynchosia yunnanensis,Syzygium cumini, Clausena dunniana, Cyclosurus parasiticus, and/orSolanum carolinense.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In today's image conscious society, people are continually looking for aproduct that can improve the visual appearance of their skin. Oftentimes, aged skin, uneven skin tone, or skin damaged by environmentalfactors such as UV light, chronic sun exposure, environmentalpollutants, chemicals, disease pathologies, or smoking, is associatedwith unattractive skin. Previous attempts to improve the visualappearance of skin has been shown to have various drawbacks such as skinirritation and prolonged recovery periods.

The present invention is an effective alternative to the use ofcompositions and ingredients currently used to treat skin. As notedabove, the inventors discovered various plant extracts (and combinationsthereof) that can be used to treat skin conditions by, for example,inhibitor MMP-1, lipoxygenase, and/or tyrosinase activity in skin or byproviding antioxidative protection to said. Skin. The followingsubsections provide information on the various extracts and plants thatcan be used, a method of identifying oily skin, and potential avenuesfor preparing corresponding product formulations. Therefore, these andother non-limiting aspects of the present invention are described infurther detail below.

A. Plants and Extracts Thereof

The plants and extracts thereof of can be obtained by standardcultivation and extraction techniques known to those having ordinaryskill in the art. Non-limiting examples of such techniques are providedbelow, in the Examples, and in FIG. 1. In addition, these extracts canbe obtained through third parties such as Kunming Institute of Botany,Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan, CHINA (“KM”) (e.g., the plantmaterial used in the Examples was obtained from KM.

For instance, a person of ordinary skill in the art would be able toisolate any one of the extracts identified below from parts of thecorresponding plant by using any suitable method known in the art. Inone non-limiting example, the plant (or any part of the plant such asthe leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds,seed pods, sap, whole plant, etc.) can be disrupted by mechanical meanswhich results in a puree. The puree is then processed to besubstantially free of impurities or undesired solids. The puree can thenbe poured into a shallow vessel and quickly exposed to low temperature,i.e., flash frozen, for example at −20° C. or lower, preferably under avacuum for removal of water content (lyophilization). The resultantextract can then be used in the compositions of the present invention.

In other aspects, aqueous, alcoholic, or oil based extractiontechniques, or combinations thereof, can be used on the whole plant orany part thereof of (e.g., leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers orflower buds, seeds, seed pods, sap, whole plant, etc.) to produce anextract. In such a process, the desired part of the plant or the wholeplant is crushed up (e.g., blender) and then subjected to a desiredsolvent (e.g., water, alcohol, water/alcohol, or oil based solvents) toobtain the desired extract. The extract can then be stored in liquidform, lyophilized, or subject to further processing techniques (e.g.,heating, cooling, etc.). Extraction processes are well-known to thosehaving ordinary skill in the extract field (e.g., maceration, infusion,percolation, digestion, decoction, hot continuous extraction,aqueous-alcoholic extract, counter current extract, microwave assistedextraction, ultrasound extraction, supercritical fluid extracts,phytonic extract (e.g., with hydro-flouro-carbon solvents), etc.

General information about the plants are provided below.

1. Phaelous vulgaris

The common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris, is an herbaceous annual plantdomesticated independently in ancient Mesoamerica and the Andes, and nowgrown worldwide for its edible bean, popular both dry and as a greenbean. The leaf is occasionally used as a leaf vegetable, and the strawis used for fodder. Botanically, the common bean is classified as adicotyledon. Beans, squash and maize constituted the “Three Sisters”that provided the foundation of Native American agriculture. Beans are alegume and thus acquire their nitrogen through an association withrhizobia, a species of nitrogen-fixing bacteria. 18.3 million tonnes ofdry common beans and 6.6 million tonnes of green beans were grownworldwide in 2007. The other major type of beans is broad beans (Viciafaba), of which only 3.7 million tonnes were grown in 2007. Thecommercial production of beans is well-distributed worldwide withcountries in Asia, Africa, Europe, Oceania, South and North America allamong the top bean growers. Brazil and India are the largest producersof dry beans while China produces, by far, the largest amount of greenbeans, almost as much as the rest of the top ten growers altogether.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Phaseolus vulgaris haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin. Thedifferent portions of Phaseolus vulgaris can be used to obtain thecorresponding extract. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems,bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entireplant.

2. Citris sinensis

An orange—specifically, the sweet orange—is the citrus Citrus×sinensis(syn. Citrus aurantium L. var. dulcis L., or Citrus aurantium Risso) andits fruit. The orange is a hybrid of ancient cultivated origin, possiblybetween pomelo (Citrus maxima) and mandarin (Citrus reticulata). It is asmall flowering tree growing to about 10 m tall with evergreen leaves,which are arranged alternately, of ovate shape with crenulate marginsand 4-10 cm long. The orange fruit is a hesperidium, a type of berry.Oranges originated in Southeast Asia. The fruit of Citrus sinensis iscalled sweet orange to distinguish it from Citrus aurantium, the bitterorange. The name is thought to ultimately derive from the Sanskrit forthe orange tree, with its final form developing after passing throughnumerous intermediate languages. In a number of languages, it is knownas a “Chinese apple” (e.g., Dutch Sinaasappel, “China's apple”).

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Citris sinensis haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin. Thedifferent portions of Citris sinensis can be used to obtain thecorresponding extract. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems,bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entireplant.

3. Wedelia trilobata

Wedelia trilobata, also known as yellow dots, rabbits paw, trailingdaisy, creeping ox-eye, is part of the Family Asteraceae (aster family).A tropical perennial, with deepley lobed fleshy leaves, growing up to 10inch tall, spreading like a mat, it makes a dense cover, if allowed. Itblossoms profusely; the flowers are orange-yellow. Wedelia creeps androots at the nodes. Wedelia is used to treat hepatitis, infections andto clear the placenta after birth. It grows in full sun/partial shade,moist well drained soil. It should be planted in frost free areas, andwill be killed by frost but comes back in the spring. This plant typecan be used as a ground cover.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Wedelia trilobata haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin such asantioxidantive properties. The different portions of Wedelia trilobatacan be used to obtain the corresponding extract. Non-limiting examplesinclude its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds,seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

4. Burretiodendron hsienmu

Burretiodendron hsienmu is a species of flowering plant in the Tiliaceaefamily. It is found only in China. It is threatened by habitat loss.areas of Yunnan. Populations in Viet Nam represent a separate species. Aslow-growing tree, it is found, sometimes as a dominant component, inlowland semi-deciduous woodland. Regeneration is observed to be strongin forest gaps. The timber is highly valued, and in many parts of itsrange mature trees have become very scarce or been eliminated. Habitatloss and degradation have also contributed to the decline.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Burretiodendron hsienmuhave several biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit MMP-1, lipoxygenase,and tyrosinase activity. All of the different portions ofBurretiodendron hsienmu can be used to obtain the corresponding extract.Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit,flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

5. Bauhinia brachycarpa var. cavaleriei

Bauhinia brachycarpa var. cavaleriei is an evergreen plant. The leavesalternate, are simple, usually consisting of two lobes or almostbifoliolate with midrib between the two leaflets produced as a smallspur. Flowers are showy, arranged in simple or panicled, terminal oraxillary racemes. Hypanthium are sometimes long and cylindrical,sometimes short and turbinate. Calyx is entire or spathaceous, or cleftinto two or five teeth. Petals number 5, slightly unequal, narrowed atthe base into a claw, and are variously coloured. Stamens number between5 and 10, filaments free or shortly connate, filiform, anthersversatile, dehiscing longitudinally. Ovary is seated on a stalk(gynophore), ovules many, style long or short and usually curved, stigmacapitate, fruit a linear pod, dehiscent or indehiscent.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Bauhinia brachycarpa var.cavaleriei have several biological activities, which can be beneficialto skin. Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activitiesinclude antioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit MMP-1, andlipoxygenase activity. All of the different portions of Bauhiniabrachycarpa var. cavaleriei can be used to obtain the correspondingextract. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots,fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

6. Cystacanthus paniculatus

Cystacanthus paniculatus is a shrub that can reach two meteres in heightand is native to China. It is has green leaves and is capable ofproducing flowers.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Cystacanthus paniculatushave several biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties. All of the different portions of Cystacanthuspaniculatus can be used to obtain the corresponding extract.Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit,flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

7. Caesalpinia minax

Cyclosurus minax is a plant that is native to China, Taiwan, India,Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietam. It is capable of producing flowersand seeds.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Cyclosurus minax haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin. All ofthe different portions of Cyclosurus minax can be used to obtain thecorresponding extract. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems,bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entireplant.

8. Pueraria wallichii

Pueraria wallichii is a shrub that is native to China and is is capableof producing flowers.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Pueraria wallichii haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin. All ofthe different portions of Pueraria wallichii can be used to obtain thecorresponding extract. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems,bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entireplant.d

9. Tetracentron sinense

Tetracentron is a genus of flowering plant, the sole living speciesbeing Tetracentron sinense. It was formerly considered the sole genus inthe family Tetracentraceae, though modern botanists include it in thefamily Trochodendraceae together with the genus Trochodendron. It isnative to southern China and the eastern Himalaya, where it grows ataltitudes of 1100-3500 m in a temperate climate; it has no widely usedcommon name in English, though is sometimes called “spur-leaf.” It is atree growing to 20-40 m tall. The leaves are deciduous (the Flora ofChina reporting it as evergreen is an error), borne singly at the apexof short spur shoots, each leaf dark green, broad heart-shaped, 5-13 cmlong and 4-10 cm broad, with a rugose surface and a serrated margin. Thespur shoots bear a one leaf each year, slowly lengthening with eachsubsequent year. The flowers are inconspicuous, yellowish green, withoutpetals, produced on slender catkins 10-15 cm long; each flower is 1-2 mmdiameter. The fruit is a follicle 2-5 mm diameter, containing 4-6 seeds.Tetracentron shares with Trochodendron the feature, very unusual inangiosperms, of lacking vessel elements in its wood. This has long beenconsidered a very primitive character, resulting in the classificationof these two genera in a basal position in the angiosperms; however,research in Molecular phylogenetics by the Angiosperm Phylogeny Groupand others has shown that these two genera are not basal angiosperms,but basal eudicots. This suggests that the absence of vessel elements isa secondarily evolved character, not a primitive one.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Tetracentron sinense haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit MMP-1 activity. All ofthe different portions of Tetracentron sinense can be used to obtain thecorresponding extract. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems,bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entireplant.

10. Bridelia insulana

Bridelia insulana, also known as “maka ton,” is a medium to large treeup to 25 m high, with glabrous branchlets, raised lenticels and veryconspicuous on last generation branches. The bark is greyish. Stipulesare very narrowly triangular, up to 5 by 0.8-1.3 mm, sparsely brownishpuberulous, early caducous. Leaves have petioles 4-8 mm long and areglabrous; blade is broadly elliptic to obovate, 4.5-21 by 2.5-8.8 cm,with a length/width ratio 1.5-2. Flowers are staminate 2-2.5 mm indiameter, creamy yellow; pistillate ones are 2-3/3.5 mm in diameter,whitish cream with red disc; pedicel 0-1.5 mm long. Sepals aretriangular, c. 1.2 by 1.2 mm, puberulous outside. Petals variable inshape, tiny, 0.3-0.5 by 0.3-0.5 mm, with a cuneate base.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Bridelia insulana haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit MMP-1 activity. All ofthe different portions of Bridelia insulana can be used to obtain thecorresponding extract. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems,bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entireplant.

11. Hedyotis verticillata

Hedyotis verticillata, locally known as Bongot (Mbo.), bosingau (Ilk.),manaal (Sub.), and salasik-lupa (Tag.). It is found in open places, oldclearings, and thickets at a low altitude, from northern Luzon toMindanao, in most islands and provinces. It also occurs in India tosouthern China and Malaya. This is a spreading, diffuse, branched herb,with branches 15 to 45 centimeters long. The leaves are stalkless,rough, rigid, slender, elliptic- or linear-lanceolate, 3.5 to 6centimeters long, 2 to 5 millimeters wide, and pointed at both ends. Theflowers are borne in clusters in the axils of the leaves. Thecalyx-teeth are triangular. The capsules are smooth, ovoid, and 2.5 to 3millimeters long. According to sources, the plant is used for makingpoultices. These may be applied for headaches, and in the case of smallchildren, upon the abdomen for stomachache. A decoction of the plant isdrunk for dysentery.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Hedyotis verticillatahave several biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit MMP-1 activity. All ofthe different portions of Hedyotis verticillata can be used to obtainthe corresponding extract. Non-limiting examples include its leaves,stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and theentire plant.

12. Syzygium fruiticosum

Syzygium fruticosum is a 12 m tall tree, with dark brown branchlets whendry, compressed or grooved. Old branches are grayish white. Petioles are1-1.5 cm; leaf blade are narrowly elliptic to elliptic, 9-13×3.5-5.5 cm,thinly leathery, abaxially reddish brown when dry, and adaxially brownand glossy when dry. Fruit is red when ripe, globose, 6-7 mm in diam.,1-seeded. Flowers in May-June. It grows in spare forests and wastelandsfrom 500-1700 m in various Chinese provinces, Bangladesh, India, Mynamarand Thailand.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Syzygium fruiticosum haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit MMP-1 activity. All ofthe different portions of Syzygium fruiticosum can be used to obtain thecorresponding extract. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems,bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entireplant.

13. Circidiphyllum japonicum

Cercidiphyllum japonicum or Japanese Judas-tree is a species offlowering tree in the Cercidiphyllaceae family that commonly goes by thename Katsura tree. It is native to China and Japan. The tree isdeciduous and grows to 40 to 60 feet. Its leaves are round. The treeflowers in March or April and produces winged seeds. There are severaldifferent cultivars grown including ‘Aureum,’ ‘Heronswood Globe,’‘Pendula’ and ‘Ruby.’

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Circidiphyllum japonicumhave several biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit MMP-1, andlipoxygenase activity. All of the different portions of Circidiphyllumjaponicum can be used to obtain the corresponding extract. Non-limitingexamples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers orflower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

14. Bauhinia glauca

Bauhinia glauca is a species of the genus Bauhinia, including more than200 species of flowering plants in the subfamily Cæsalpinioideae of thelarge flowering plant family Fabaceae, with a pantropical distribution.The genus was named after the Bauhin brothers, Swiss-French botanists.Many species are widely planted in the tropics as “orchid trees,”particularly in northern India, Vietnam and southeastern China. In theUnited States of America, the tree grows in Hawaii, coastal California,Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. Bauhinia trees typically reach a heightof 6-12 m and their branches spread 3-6 m outwards. The lobed leavesusually are 10-15 cm across. The five-petaled flowers are 7.5-12.5 cmdiameter, generally in shades of red, pink, purple, orange, or yellow,and are often fragrant. The tree begins flowering in late winter andoften continues to flower into early summer. Depending on the species,Bauhinia flowers are usually in magenta, mauve, pink or white hues withcrimson marking. It is know to produce flavonoids, which ispharmaceutically useful class of compounds.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Bauhinia glauca haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit MMP-1, lipoxygenase,and tyrosinase activity. All of the different portions of Bauhiniaglauca can be used to obtain the corresponding extract. Non-limitingexamples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers orflower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

15. Rhododendron siderophyllum

Rhododendron siderophyllum is a 1-2 to 1-4 m tall shrub with brown youngshoots that are densely scaly. Petioles are 5-15 mm and densely scaly;leaf blades are elliptic or elliptic-lanceolate, 3 7/11×1.2-3.5 cm; baseis cuneate or rounded; apex is acuminate, acute or nearly obtuse;abaxial surface scales ae 0.5-2× their own diameter apart, or contiguoussmall to mid-sized, all similar or slightly unequal, brown and concave.It flowers in March-June, and grows in mixed forests, coniferous forestson slopes, and thickets at 1200/1800-3000 m, for example, in Guizhou,Sichuan, and Yunnan, China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Rhododendronsiderophyllum have several biological activities, which can bebeneficial to skin. Non-limiting examples of some of these biologicalactivities include antioxidant properties and the ability to inhibitMMP-1, and lipoxygenase activity. All of the different portions ofRhododendron siderophyllum can be used to obtain the correspondingextract. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots,fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

16. Cudrania pubescens

Is a viney plant that is native to China. It includes green leaves andis capable of producing flowers.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Cudrania pubescens haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit lipoxygenase activity.All of the different portions of Cudrania pubescens can be used toobtain the corresponding extract. Non-limiting examples include itsleaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap,and the entire plant.

17. Cajanus cajan

Cajanus cajan, the pigeon pea, is also known as toor dal (India), Congopea or gungo pea (in Jamaica), gandule (in Puerto Rico), gunga pea, orno-eye pea. The cultivation of the pigeon pea goes back at least 3000years, and today pigeon peas are widely cultivated in all tropical andsemi-tropical regions of both the Old and the New World. Pigeon peas canbe of a perennial variety, in which the crop can last 3-5 years(although the seed yield drops considerably after the first two years),or an annual variety more suitable for seed production. Being a legume,the pigeon pea enriches soil through symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Pigeonpeas are in some areas an important crop for green manure, providing upto 40 kg nitrogen per hectare. The woody stems of pigeon peas can alsobe used as firewood, fencing and thatch.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Cajanus cajan haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties. All of the different portions of Cajanus cajancan be used to obtain the corresponding extract. Non-limiting examplesinclude its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds,seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

18. Wendlandia uvariifolia

Wendlandia uvariifolia is a small tree or shrud that can range in heightfrom two to fifteen meters. It is native to China, and is capable ofproducing flowers.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Wendlandia uvariifoliahave several biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit MMP-1 and tyrosinaseactivity. All of the different portions of Wendlandia uvariifolia can beused to obtain the corresponding extract. Non-limiting examples includeits leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds,sap, and the entire plant.

19. Siegesbeckia glabrescens

Siegesbeckia glabrescens has been used in traditional oriental medicineto treat cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and anginapectoris, osteoporotic fractures, quadriplegia, paralysis, hemiplegia,and a constituent thereof (darutoside) has been shown to be anabortifacient in laboratory animals. It also is said to haveanti-allergic activity, and may be a promising inhibitor of breastcancer cells.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Siegesbeckia glabrescenshave several biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin. Allof the different portions of Siegesbeckia glabrescens can be used toobtain the corresponding extract. Non-limiting examples include itsleaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap,and the entire plant.

20. Azolla imbricata

Azolla imbricata is a relatively common fern growing in Eastern Asia. Itis aquatic and nitrogen fixing.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Azolla imbricata haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin. All ofthe different portions of Azolla imbricata can be used to obtain thecorresponding extract. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems,bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entireplant.

21. Juncus bufonius

Juncus bufonius, known commonly as toad rush, is a common species ofrush found worldwide. It grows in moist and muddy places and isconsidered a weed in many areas. This is an annual monocot that is quitevariable in appearance. It is sometimes described as a complex ofvariants labeled with one species name. It is generally a green clumpinggrasslike rush with many thin stems wrapped with few threadlike leaves.The flowers are borne in inflorescences and also in the joint where theinflorescence branches off of the stem. The flowering period is fromSeptember through March and is a grassy flower folded within toughbracts and sepals.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Juncus bufonius haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties. All of the different portions of Juncus bufoniuscan be used to obtain the corresponding extract. Non-limiting examplesinclude its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds,seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

22. Poikilospermum suaveolens

Poikilospermum suaveolens, also know as “blume,” is widespread and foundIndo-China, Southeastern China, Thailand, the Nicobar Islands,Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Sulawesi, the Moluccas andthe Philippines. It is an epiphytic, dioecious, evergreen stout andwoody climber or scrambler. The leaf blade is broadly ovate toelliptical or obovate, measuring 10-40 cm×6-25 cm and usually hairless.The leaf base is wedge shaped to distinctly cordate and acute to obtuseat the apex. The flowers are in pseudo-umbellules. The male flower issessile. There are (2-)4 tepals which are strongly incurved. There are(2-)4 stamens. The female flower is pedicellate with 4-lobed perianth.The stigma is with ligule. The one-seeded fruit is entirely covered bythe persistent perianth. It is found up to 1500 m and prefers openforests and brushwoods.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Poikilospermum suaveolenshave several biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties. All of the different portions of Poikilospermumsuaveolens can be used to obtain the corresponding extract. Non-limitingexamples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers orflower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

23. Clerodendrum trichotomum var.

Clerodendrum trichotomum is an upright, bushy, deciduous shrub or smalltree from China and Japan with opposite, ovate, entire or sparselytoothed, dark green leaves to 20 cm (8 in) long. From late summer tomid-autumn it bears fragrant white flowers with red sepals in erect,axillary cymes to 20 cm across. The berries are bright blue.Clerodendrum trichotomum var. fargesii is from western China, and hasyoung bronze leaves and flowers with green sepals. The flowers arefollowed by outstanding and eye-catching, metallic-blue berries inautumn. These berries are enclosed by colourful, maroon calyces (sepalsof a flower).

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Clerodendrum trichotomumvar. have several biological activities, which can be beneficial toskin. Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activitiesinclude antioxidant properties. All of the different portions ofClerodendrum trichotomum var. can be used to obtain the correspondingextract. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots,fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

24. Porandra ramosa

Porandra ramosa is found in forests in west Guangxi, southwest Guizhou(Anlong Xian, Xingyi Xian), Yunnan, China at 400-2400 m. Its stems areup to 4 m, climbing, branched distally, and glabrous; internodes are5-20 cm. Leaf sheaths are 2.5-6 cm and hirsute when young; petioles are5-7 mm; leaf blades are elliptic to lanceolate, 8-16×2-4.5 cm,abaxially±hirsute, base-rounded to broadly cuneate, apex acuminate orcaudate-acuminate. Heads contain several flowers; bracts areovate-orbicular, ca. 3 mm. Sepals are oblong, carinate, 5-7×ca. 3 mm,abaxially hirsute. Petals are pink, oblong, ca. 7×ca. 3 mm. Filamentsare ca. 7 mm; anthers are drip-shaped, ca. 2×1.5 mm. Ovaries are ca. 1mm, hirsute. Seeds are 2 per valve, 3-4 mm. Flowers in April-August.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Porandra ramosa haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin. All ofthe different portions of Porandra ramosa can be used to obtain thecorresponding extract. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems,bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entireplant.

25. Annona glabra

Annona glabra is a tropical fruit tree in the family Annonaceae, in thesame genus as the Soursop and Cherimoya. Common names includePond-apple, Alligator-apple, Corkwood, Bobwood, and Monkey-apple. Thename Alligator-apple derives from the fact that American Alligatorssometimes eat the fruit. The tree is native to Florida in the UnitedStates, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and West Africa. It iscommon in the Everglades. It grows in swamps, is tolerant of saltwater,and cannot grow in dry soil. The trees grow to a height of around 10-12m. They have thin, gray trunks and sometimes grow in clumps. The leavesare ovate to oblong with an acute tip, 8-15 cm long and 4-6 cm broad.The fruit is oblong to spherical and apple-sized or larger, 7-15 cm longand up to 9 cm diameter, and falls when it is green or ripening yellow.It disperses by floating to new locations, and it is food for manyanimal species. It is edible for humans, and can be made into jam,although the taste is usually not preferable to Soursop and otherrelated fruits. The flesh is sweet-scented and agreeable in flavor, butit has never attained general popular use. It is a very troublesomeinvasive species in Australia. There it grows in estuaries and chokesmangrove swamps, where its seedlings carpet the banks and prevent otherspecies from germinating or thriving. A recent study suggests that itsalcoholic seed extract contains anticancer compounds that could be usedpharmaceutically.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Annona glabra haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin. All ofthe different portions of Annona glabra can be used to obtain thecorresponding extract. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems,bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entireplant.

26. Sterculia pexa

Sterculia pexa is a trees with robust branchlets. Leaves are palmatelycompound; stipules are triangularly lanceolate, ca. 5 mm, pilose;petiole is usually 20-23 cm; leaflets number 7-9; leaflet blades areobovate-lanceolate or narrowly elliptic, 9-23×4-6 cm, abaxially denselystellate pubescent, adaxially nearly glabrous, lateral veins 22-44,parallel, base cuneate, margin entire, apex acuminate. Inflorescence isclustered at branchlet tips, racemose or paniculate, up to 20 cm.Epicalyx lobes are linear-lanceolate, ca. 1 cm. Calyx is white,campanulate, ca. 6 mm, divided to ½ length, abaxially densely stellatepubescent, lobes triangular, apex acuminate, incurved and apicallycoherent with each other. The male flower is androgynophore linear,glabrous. Anthers number 10-20 and are capitate. Female flower is ovaryglobose, 5-locular, densely puberulent. Follicle is brownish red,ellipsoid and slightly curved to sickle-shaped, 4-9×2-4 cm, 3-seeded,abaxially densely puberulent and hispid, adaxially stellate hairy,margin densely ciliate, apex obtuse. Seeds are black, oblong, ca. 1.5cm. Flowers in October. The bark fiber is used for making rope or othersimilar purposes. The seeds are edible after boiling. The timber is goodfor furniture. It growns on sunny dry slopes, roadsides, cultivatedaround villages in southwest Guangxi, southern and southeastern Yunnan,China, as well as in Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Sterculia pexa haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin. All ofthe different portions of Sterculia pexa can be used to obtain thecorresponding extract. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems,bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entireplant.

27. Phoebe puwenensis

Phoebe puwenensis is a large tree (up to 30 m) that grows in evergreenbroad-leaved forests, usually at 880-1500 m in south Yunnan, China. Itsbark is yellowish gray. Branchlets are robust, 5-6 mm in diam. atmiddle, densely yellowish brown tomentose, older ones with conspicuousleaf scars. Petioles are 1-2.5 cm, thick, densely yellowish brown orgray-black tomentose; leaf blade is obovate-elliptic or broadlyobovate-lanceolate, 10-23×5-9 cm, abaxially densely yellowish brownvillous, adaxially glabrous or with scattered appressed hairs or hairyalong veins only. Panicles arise from middle and lower part of newlysprouted branchlet, 4.5-22(-25) cm, and are branched near the top of thepeduncle, with yellowish brown tomentose. Pedicel is short, 2-3 mm,hairy. Flowers are yellowish, 4-5 mm. Perianth lobes are ovate,subequal, ca. 4 mm, apex acute, densely yellowish brown tomentose onboth surfaces. Filaments are long white tomentose, those of 3rd serieswith sessile glands at base. Ovary is ovoid, upper part hairy; styleslender; stigma dish-shaped. Fruit is ovoid, to 1.3 cm×ca. 7 mm,glabrous; fruiting pedicel is not enlarged; persistent perianth lobesare leathery, clasping base of fruit. It floweres from March-April.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Phoebe puwenensis haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit MMP-1 activity. All ofthe different portions of Phoebe puwenensis can be used to obtain thecorresponding extract. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems,bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entireplant.

28. Myriopteron extensum

Myriopteron extensum has been shown to produce several natural productsof medicinal interest, including steroidal saponins and flavanones. Itgrows as a liana of 10 m in height. Branchlets are pale gray,lenticellate, glabrous. Petiole is 1.5-4 cm; leaf blade isovate-elliptic to broadly ovate, 8-18(-30)×4-11(-22) cm, membranous,glabrous to sparsely pilose; lateral veins number 7-9 pairs. Pedicel isthreadlike, 5-10 mm. Sepals are ca. 1×0.7 mm, ovate, obtuse, delicate,glabrous or ciliate, reflexed at anthesis. Corolla is ca. 3 mm in diam.,glabrous; lobes are lanceolate or ovate-oblong. Corona lobes are 3-4 mm,glabrous. Follicles are 7-7.5×3-3.5 cm, with ca. 20 wings. Flowers inMay-August. It growns in thickets and open woods at 600-1600 m. inGuangxi, Guizhou, and Yunnan, China, as well as in India, Indonesia,Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. The roots are used as medicine forpulmonary tuberculosis and cough.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Myriopteron extensum haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties. All of the different portions of Myriopteronextensum can be used to obtain the corresponding extract. Non-limitingexamples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers orflower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

29. Croton lachnocarpa

Croton lachnocarpa is a shrub that can reach one to three meters inheight. It is native to China and is capapble of producing fruits andflowers.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Croton lachnocarpa haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit MMP-1 activity. All ofthe different portions of Croton lachnocarpa can be used to obtain thecorresponding extract. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems,bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entireplant.

30. Dillenia turbinata

Dillenia turbinata is an evergreen tree about 30 m tall. It has stoutbranchlets stout. Petioles are 2-6 cm, narrowly winged; leaf blade areobovate to long obovate. Racemes are terminal, 3-5-flowered; peduncle is3-5 cm, stout, both bracts and bractlets are absent. Its flowers number2-7, fragrant, 10-12 cm in diam., 4-5 cm in diam. in bud. Sepals areoval, 2.5-4.5×2-3 cm, thickly fleshy, unequal, with outer ones largerthan inner ones. Petals are yellow, yellowish white, or reddish,obovate, 5-7 cm, thin, narrow based with rounded apexes. Stamens are in2 distinct groups, outer very numerous, slightly curved in bud, 1.5-2cm, inner ca. 25, reflexed in bud; anthers are dehiscing with pores. Itflowers in April-May. It grows in mixed evergreen forests, wet places invalleys; 700-1000 m. S. Guangxi, Hainan, and S. Yunnan, China, as wellas Vietnam.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Dillenia turbinata haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit MMP-1 activity. All ofthe different portions of Dillenia turbinata can be used to obtain thecorresponding extract. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems,bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entireplant.

31. Alpinia blepharocalyx

Alpinia blepharocalyx grows in dense or sparse forests at 400-1200 m. inGuangdong, Guangxi, and Yunnan, China, as well as Bangladesh, India,Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Pseudostems are 1-3 m. Ligules areabout. 6 mm, with villous apex; leaf blades are adaxially dark green,abaxially pale green, lanceolate or oblanceolate, base is attenuate,apex is acuminate, mucronate. Racemes are drooping. Flowering occurs inMarch-July.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Alpinia blepharocalyxhave several biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties. All of the different portions of Alpiniablepharocalyx can be used to obtain the corresponding extract.Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit,flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

32. Crotalaria spectabilis

Crotalaria spectabilis, also known as “showy rattlebox,” is an annualsemiwoody herb in temperate areas, and a short-lived shrub in itsfrost-free subtropical and tropical range. In Puerto Rico, it grows upto 2 m in height and 3.5 cm in basal diameter. It normally has a singlestem. The lower stems are covered with whorled, short, shelf-like oldleaf bases and stipule remnants. The leaves and fruiting branches areshed progressively upward after they mature so that foliage and branchesare only found on the upper portion of the stem. The mid- and lower stemhas a white, brittle, medium-hard wood with a 1.5-mm pith. The upperstem, branches, and foliage are green to yellow-green. The plant issupported by a tap and lateral system of stiff, tan roots. The simple,whorled leaves are oblanceolate to elliptic, 5 to 17 cm long, entire,and have a 2-mm petiole and broad, triangular stipules. Theinflorescences are terminal or subterminal racemes with 20 to 25 flowerswith linear-triangular bracts. The bright yellow unequal flowers are 1.5to 2 cm long. Inflated brown to black legumes are 3 to 5 cm long and 1.8to 2 cm thick. They contain several hard, shiny brown to black seeds 4.5mm long (author's observation, Damron and Jacob 2001. Howard 1988,Liogier 1988, Stevens and others 2001). Showy rattlebox is native to theIndo-Malaysia area (Parrotta 2001). It has been planted widely and hasnaturalized in many tropical countries including the Southern UnitedStates, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico (International Legume Database andInformation Service 2002).

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Crotalaria spectabilishave several biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties. All of the different portions of Crotalariaspectabilis can be used to obtain the corresponding extract.Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit,flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

33. Ficus lacor

Ficus lacor, also known as the “pakur tree,” is deciduous and is nativeto northern China. It is known for its diaphoretic medicinal properties.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Ficus lacor have severalbiological activities, which can be beneficial to skin. Non-limitingexamples of some of these biological activities include antioxidantproperties and the ability to inhibit MMP-1 activity. All of thedifferent portions of Ficus lacor can be used to obtain thecorresponding extract. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems,bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entireplant.

34. Ravenala madagascariensis

Ravenala madagascariensis, commonly known as Traveller's Tree orTraveller's Palm, is a species of plant from Madagascar. It is not atrue palm (family Arecaceae), but a member of the bird-of-paradisefamily, Strelitziaceae. R. madagascariensis is the sole member of itsgenus, and is closely related to the southern African genus Strelitziaand the South American genus Phenakospermum. Some older classificationsinclude these genera in the banana family (Musaceae). It has been giventhe name “Traveller's palm” because the sheaths of the stems holdrainwater, which can be used as an emergency drinking supply. Theenormous paddle-shaped leaves are borne on long petioles, in adistinctive fan shape aligned in a single plane. The large white flowersare structurally similar to those of its relatives, the bird-of-paradiseflowers Strelitzia reginae and Strelitzia nicolai, but less attractive.In tropical and subtropical regions, the plant is widely cultivated forits distinctive habit and foliage. Ruffed lemurs are a known pollinatorof this plant, and given the size and structure of the inflorescences,as well as the lemur's selectivity, method of feeding, and long muzzle,this relationship is thought to have co-evolved. The color of the palmvaries slightly from the tip of the leaves which are green, to the endof the leaf stem which is yellow. It has a trunk which emerges as itmatures. During its early years the trunk is underneath the ground, butas the palm grows older, it loses some of its fan-like leaves andreveals a brown rigid trunk.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Ravenala madagascariensishave several biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit MMP-1 activity. All ofthe different portions of Ravenala madagascariensis can be used toobtain the corresponding extract. Non-limiting examples include itsleaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap,and the entire plant.

35. Cocculus orbiculatus

Cocculus orbiculatus, also know as queen coralbead, is indigenous toHawaii. It is a partially woody, sprawling shrub/vine. It is less thantwo feet in height but can be quite sprawling due to its vine-likenature. It is used as an accent and ground cover, as well as on fencesand trellises. It lives longer than five years, and produces non-showyflowers of white and yellow. It is susceptible to insects, such asaphids and ants. If grows well in dry environments with full or partialsun. It was used by early Hawaiians to bind parts of grass dwellings.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Cocculus orbiculatus haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties. All of the different portions of Cocculusorbiculatus can be used to obtain the corresponding extract.Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit,flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

36. Drynaria fortunei

Drynaria fortunei, is a medicinal fern, also known as “Gu-Sui-Bu.” It isused to strength bone, and to treat deficiency syndrome of the kidneymarked by back pain, tinnitus, impairment of hearing and looseness ofteeth, traumatic injury, bone fracture, as well as external use foralopecia areata and vitiligo.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Drynaria fortunei haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin. All ofthe different portions of Drynaria fortunei can be used to obtain thecorresponding extract. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems,bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entireplant.

37. Acrachne racemosa

Acrachne racemosa is a terrestrial annual. Its stems are erect orascending, geniculate, decumbent, or lax, sometimes rooting at nodes,caespitose, tufted, or clustered, terete, round in cross section, orpolygonal, with stem internodes hollow. Stems with inflorescence areless than 1 m tall. Leaves are mostly cauline, conspicuously 2-ranked,distichous, with sheathing at base. The leaf sheath is mostly open, orloose, smooth, glabrous, blade keeled, with leaf sheath and bladedifferentiated. Leaf blades are linear, 2-10 mm wide, mostly flat,mostly glabrous, more or less hairy. A ligule is present, fringed,ciliate, or lobed membrane. Inflorescence is terminal, with 2 or morespikes, fascicles, glomerules, heads, or clusters per culm.Inflorescence is a panicle with narrowly racemose or spicate branches,digitately arranged spicate branches, 2-10 branches, to more than 10.Inflorescence branches are 1-sided, lower panicle branches are whorled,rachis is angular, flowers are bisexual, spikelets sessile orsubsessile, laterally compressed, less than 3 mm wide, with 3-40florets, solitary or paired at rachis nodes, all alike and fertille,bisexual, disarticulating above the glumes, glumes persistent,disarticulating beneath or between the florets, secund, in rows on oneside of rachis. Rachilla or pedicel is glabrous, glumes are present,with empty bracts.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Acrachne racemosa haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin. All ofthe different portions of Acrachne racemosa can be used to obtain thecorresponding extract. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems,bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entireplant.

38. Pseuderanthemum polyanthum

Pseuderanthemum polyanthum is an herb that is native to China and India.It is capable of producing white to purplish colored flowers.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Pseuderanthemumpolyanthum have several biological activities, which can be beneficialto skin. Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activitiesinclude antioxidant properties. All of the different portions ofPseuderanthemum polyanthum can be used to obtain the correspondingextract. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots,fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

39. Eriobotrys serrata

Eriobotry serrata is a 10-20 m tall tree. Branchlets are yellowishbrown, stout, densely tomentose when young, glabrescent. Stipules arecaducous, not seen; petiole is 1.5-3 cm, glabrous; leaf blade is obovateor oblanceolate, 9-23×3.5-13 cm, leathery, adaxially lustrous, midveinis prominent on both surfaces, lateral veins number 10-16 pairs,glabrous or abaxially sparsely brown pubescent along veins, base isattenuate, margin is incurved-serrate; apex is obtuse or acute. Panicleis about 8 cm in diameter, many flowered; peduncle is densely yellowtomentose; bracts are not seen. Pedicel is 2-3 mm, densely yellowtomentose. Flowers are 8-10 mm in diam. Hypanthium is cupular, 3-4 mm,abaxially densely yellow tomentose. Sepals are ovate, 2-2.5 cm,abaxially yellow tomentose, apex is obtuse or acute. Petals are white,obovate, 3-3.5 mm. Stamens number 20. Ovary is pubescent apically, (2or) 3- or 4 (or 5)-loculed, with 2 ovules per locule; styles (2 or) 3 or4 (or 5), base is pubescent. Pome is green, globose or pyriform, 1.5-1.8cm in diam., subglabrous; sepals are reflexed.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Eriobotrys serrata haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit MMP-1 activity. All ofthe different portions of Eriobotrys serrata can be used to obtain thecorresponding extract. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems,bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entireplant.

40. Veronia arborea

Veronia arborea, or “Tree Vernonia” is a medium sized tree, growing upto 15 m tall. Bark is brown or blackish. Young branchlets arecylindrical and velvety. Alternately spirally arranged leaves areclustered at the ends of branchlets. Leaf stalk is 0.6-2.6 cm long,velvety. Leaf blade is 8.5-19 cm long, 4-11 cm wide, generally ellipticor slightly obovate. Tip is pointed or abruptly ending into a point, andthe base is wedge-shaped. Margin is entire or sometimes distantly doubletoothed. Leaves are velvety on the underside. Pinkish purpleflower-heads are borne in large panicled cymes, at the end of branches.Fruit is dry, ribbed, 1-seeded. Tree Vernonia is found along margins ofevergreen forests, up to 1900 m, in South and Central Sahyadris inWestern Ghats and parts of Northeast India. Aqueous and methanol leafextracts promote wound-healing activity significantly in a number ofwound models. High rate of wound contraction, decrease in the period forepithelialisation, high skin breaking strength and granulation strength,increase in dry granulation tissue weight, elevated hydroxyprolinecontent and increased collagenation in histopathological section wereobserved in animals treated with methanol leaf extract and aqueous leafextract when compared to the control group of animals.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Veronia arborea haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties. All of the different portions of Veronia arboreacan be used to obtain the corresponding extract. Non-limiting examplesinclude its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds,seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

41. Adianthum caudatum

Adiantum caudatum is a particularly vigorous fern known as walkingmaidenhair fern. Although it emerges late after a hard winter, theseplants have survived 7° F., to form a 5′ wide patch in 5 years. The 1.5″wide×2′ long arching fronds, which emerge pink in spring, root into theground at the tips forming a new plant. Moist soils result in fastergrowth, but plants are quite happy in a fairly dry, sandy soil.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Adianthum caudatum haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin. All ofthe different portions of Adianthum caudatum can be used to obtain thecorresponding extract. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems,bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entireplant.

42. Phaseolus lunatus

Phaseolus lunatus is a legume. It is grown for its seed, which is eatenas a vegetable. It is commonly known as the lima bean or butter bean; itis also known as Haba bean, Pallar bean, Burma bean, Guffin bean,Hibbert bean, Sieva bean, Rangoon bean, Madagascar bean, Paiga, Paigya,prolific bean, civet bean, or sugar bean. The P. lunatus is of Andeanand Mesoamerican origin. Two separate domestication events are believedto have occurred. The first, taking place in the Andes around 2000 BC,produced a large-seeded variety (Lima type), while the second, takingplace most likely in Mesoamerica around AD 800, produced a small-seededvariety (Sieva type). By 1301, cultivation had spread to North America,and in the sixteenth century the plant arrived and began to becultivated in the Eastern Hemisphere. The small-seeded wild form (Sievatype) is found distributed from Mexico to Argentina, generally below1600 meters above sea level, while the large-seeded wild form (Limatype) is found distributed in the north of Peru, between 320 and 2030meters above sea level. The term butter bean is widely utilized for alarge, flat and white variety of lima bean (P. lunatus var. macrocarpus,or P. limensis). In the Southern United States the Sieva type aretraditionally called butter beans, also otherwise known as the Dixie orHenderson type. In that area, lima beans and butter beans are seen astwo distinct types of beans. In the United Kingdom, “butter beans” referto either dried beans which can be purchased to re-hydrate or the cannedvariety which are ready to use. In culinary use, lima beans and butterbeans are distinctly different, the former being small and green, thelatter large and yellow. In areas where both are considered to be limabeans, the green variety may be labeled as “baby” (and less commonly“junior”) limas.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Phaseolus lunatus haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties. All of the different portions of Phaseoluslunatus can be used to obtain the corresponding extract. Non-limitingexamples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers orflower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

43. Ipomoea cairica

Ipomoea cairica morning glory has many common names, includingMile-a-minute Vine, Messina Creeper, Cairo Morning Glory, Coast MorningGlory and Railroad Creeper. This vining perennial has palmate leaves andlarge, showy white to lavender flowers. Each fruit matures at about 1 cmacross and contains hairy seeds. Its native range is uncertain, thoughit is believed to originate from a rather wide area, ranging from CapeVerde to the Arabian Peninsula, including northern Africa. Because ofhuman dispersal, it occurs today on most continents as an introducedspecies and is sometimes a noxious weed. It is a major problem along thecoast of New South Wales. In the United States it occurs in Hawaii,California, all the gulf coast states, as well as Arkansas and Missouri.Some plant nurseries sell this plant as an ornamental.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Ipomoea cairica haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties. All of the different portions of Ipomoea cairicacan be used to obtain the corresponding extract. Non-limiting examplesinclude its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds,seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

44. Alopecurus aequalis

Alopecurus aequalis is a common species of grass known by the commonname shortawn foxtail. It is native to much of the temperate NorthernHemisphere from Eurasia to North America, where it can be found in manytypes of habitat. This perennial bunchgrass is variable in appearance.It produces bunches of erect stems between 10 and about 70 centimetersin height. The leaves are short, rarely exceeding 10 centimeters long.The cylindrical inflorescence is a few centimeters long and blooms withwhite to yellow to bright orange anthers.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Alopecurus aequalis haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties. All of the different portions of Alopecurusaequalis can be used to obtain the corresponding extract. Non-limitingexamples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers orflower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

45. Arenga pinnata

Arenga pinnata (syn. Arenga saccharifera) is an economically importantfeather palm native to tropical Asia, from eastern India east toMalaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines in the east. Common namesinclude Sugar Palm, Arenga Palm, Areng palm, Black-fiber palm, GomutiPalm, Aren, Enau, Irok, and Kaong. It is a medium-sized palm, growing to20 m tall, with the trunk remaining covered by the rough old leaf bases.The leaves are 6-12 m long and 1.5 m broad, pinnate, with the pinnae in1-6 rows, 40-70 cm long and 5 cm broad. The fruit is subglobose, 7 cmdiameter, green maturing black. It is not a threatened species, thoughit is locally rare in some parts of its range. It serves as an importantpart of the diet of several endangered species, including cloud rats ofthe genus Phloeomys.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Arenga pinnata haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit MMP-1 activity. All ofthe different portions of Arenga pinnata can be used to obtain thecorresponding extract. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems,bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entireplant.

46. Rhynchosia yunnanensis

Rhynchosia yunnanensis grows as vine, herbaceous or sometimes almostwoody, around 50 cm. Stems are slightly robust, densely villous ortomentose, with dark brown sessile glands. Leaves are pinnately3-foliolate; stipules are lanceolate, 4-8 mm, usually persistent;petiole is 2.5-6 cm; stipels are absent; petiolules are 1-3 mm andhairy; leaflets are papery; terminal leaflet is reniform or oblate,2-3.7×2.5-5.3 cm, densely gray villous, with dark brown glands, basalveins number 3, lateral veins number 2-4 pairs, reticulate veins arevisible, base is shallowly cordate to almost truncate, margin isslightly sinuate, slightly reflexed when dried, apex is rounded oralmost truncate, usually with small mucro; lateral leaflets are smaller,slightly oblique. Raceme is axillary, rarely solitary or branched, 2-5cm; peduncle is 1-3.5 cm, densely hairy; bracts are lanceolate, 4-7 mm,persistent. Flowers are yellow, 1.4-2 cm; pedicel is 2-8 mm. Calyx is5-lobed; lobes lanceolate, longer than tube, lower one longest; standardsubcircular or obovate-circular, 1-1.5 cm, glabrous, base with 2auricles; wings elliptic to obovate-elliptic, 7-13 mm, auriculate on oneside; keel is very wide, subobovate, 7-14 mm, without auricle. Ovary isdensely silky hairy, sessile; ovules number 1 or 2; the style is linear,with lower part silky hairy. Legume is reddish brown, obovate-orbicularto ellipsoid, 2-2.5×0.7-0.8 cm, sparsely pubescent, with apex beaked.Seeds are dark brown, reniform or orbicular, 4-5×5-6 mm.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Rhynchosia yunnanensishave several biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties. All of the different portions of Rhynchosiayunnanensis can be used to obtain the corresponding extract.Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit,flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

47. Syzygium cumini

Jambul (Syzygium cumini) is an evergreen tropical tree in the floweringplant family Myrtaceae, native to Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan andIndonesia. The word ‘Jambul’ is sometimes mistranslated as ‘Blackberry’,which is a different fruit. It is also known as Jaam/Kalojaam, Jamun,Nerale Hannu, Naval pazham, Neredupandu, Jamblang, Jambolan, Jambula,Black Plum, Damson Plum, Duhat Plum, Jambolan Plum, Java Plum orPortuguese Plum. “Malabar plum” may also refer to other species ofSyzygium. Historically, the tree was exclusive to the IndianSub-continent, and so widespread across the region that one of the oldnames of India (or the Indian region) is Jambu-Dvipa (literally: theisland of jambul fruit). It is now also grown in other areas of southernand southeastern Asia including the Philippines, Myanmar, andAfghanistan. The tree was also introduced to Florida, USA in 1911 by theUSDA, and is also now commonly grown in Suriname and Trinidad andTobago. In Brazil, where it was introduced from India during Portuguesecolonization, it has dispersed spontaneously in the wild in some places,as its fruits are eagerly sought by various native birds such asthrushes, tanagers and the Great Kiskadee. Scientific synonyms includeSyzygium jambolanum, Eugenia cumini and Eugenia jambolana.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Syzygium cumini haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit MMP-1 activity. All ofthe different portions of Syzygium cumini can be used to obtain thecorresponding extract. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems,bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entireplant.

48. Clausena dunniana

Cyclosurus minax Clausena dunniana are trees 2-5 m tall, and they aredeciduous. The leaves are 5-15 and foliolate; petiolules are 4-8 mm;leaflet blades are ovate to lanceolate, 4-10×2-5 cm, glabrous orvillous, base asymmetric, margin serrate or rarely repand, apex acute toacuminate. Inflorescences terminal. Flowers 4 (or 5)-merous, globose inbud. Stamens are 8 (or 10); filaments geniculate at middle, subulate atapex. The disk is small. The ovary is globose; style shorter than ovary.Fruit is bluish black when ripe, globose, and 1-1.5 cm in diameter, 1-or 2-seeded. It exists is Montane forests, moist areas in mountains, at300-1500 m. Locations include Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, W Hubei,Hunan, E and SE Sichuan, S Yunnan [NE Vietnam].

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Clausena dunniana haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin. All ofthe different portions of Clausena dunniana can be used to obtain thecorresponding extract. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems,bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entireplant.

49. Cyclosurus parasiticus

Cyclosurus parasiticus is a fern that is native to Hong Kong and China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Cyclosurus parasiticushave several biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities include theability to inhibit MMP-1 activity. All of the different portions ofCyclosurus parasiticus can be used to obtain the corresponding extract.Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit,flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

50. Solanum carolinense

Carolina Horsenettle (Solanum carolinense) is not a true nettle, but amember of the Solanaceae, or nightshade family. It is a perennialherbaceous plant, native to southeastern United States that has spreadwidely throughout North America. This plant has hard spines along thestems that can penetrate the skin and break off, causing much pain.Though there are other horsenettle nightshades, S. carolinense is thespecies most widely known simply as “the horsenettle.” It is also knownas Radical Weed or Sand Brier (or “briar”), while more ambiguous namesare “bull nettle,” “tread-softly” and “apple of Sodom.”

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Solanum carolinense haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties. All of the different portions of Solanumcarolinense can be used to obtain the corresponding extract.Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit,flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

8. Extraction Methods

In addition to the extraction process described in FIG. 1, a person ofordinary skill in the art would be able to isolate any one of theextracts identified above from parts of the corresponding plant by usingany suitable method known in the art. In one non-limiting example, theplant (or any part of the plant such as the leaves, stems, bark, roots,fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, seed pods, sap, whole plant, etc.)can be disrupted by mechanical means which results in a puree. The pureeis then processed to be substantially free of impurities or undesiredsolids. The puree can then be poured into a shallow vessel and quicklyexposed to low temperature, i.e., flash frozen, for example at −20° C.or lower, preferably under a vacuum for removal of water content(lyophilization). The resultant extract can then be used in thecompositions of the present invention.

In other aspects, aqueous, alcoholic, or oil based extractiontechniques, or combinations thereof, can be used on the whole plant orany part thereof of (e.g., leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers orflower buds, seeds, seed pods, sap, whole plant, etc.) to produce anextract. In such a process, the desired part of the plant or the wholeplant is crushed up (e.g., blender) and then subjected to a desiredsolvent (e.g., water, alcohol, water/alcohol, or oil based solvents) toobtain the desired extract. The extract can then be stored in liquidform, lyophilized, or subject to further processing techniques (e.g.,heating, cooling, etc.). Extraction processes are well-known to thosehaving ordinary skill in the extract field (e.g., maceration, infusion,percolation, digestion, decoction, hot continuous extraction,aqueous-alcoholic extract, counter current extract, microwave assistedextraction, ultrasound extraction, supercritical fluid extracts,phytonic extract (e.g., with hydro-flouro-carbon solvents), etc.

B. Determination of Oily Skin

Oily skin tends to present itself as having a shiny, thick, and dullappearance. It typically feels oily and usually has coarse pores andpimples and other unsightly blemishes due to overproduction of sebumfrom sebaceous glands and from clogged/blocked pores. As such, oily skinusually has oil producing sebaceous glands that are overactive andproduce more oil than is needed. The oil oozes and gives the skin agreasy shine. The pores are enlarged and the skin has a coarse look.

C. Compositions of the Present Invention

1. Combinations and Amounts of Ingredients

It is contemplated that the compositions of the present invention caninclude any one of Phaseolus vulgaris, Citris sinensis, Wedeliatrilobata, Burretiodendron hsienmu, Bauhinia brachycarpa var.cavaleriei, Cystacanthus paniculatus, Caesalpinia minax, Puerariawallichii, Tetracentron sinense, Bridelia insulana, Hedyotisverticillata, Syzygium fruticosum, Cercidiphyllum japonicum, Bauhiniaglauca, Rhododendron siderophyllum, Cudrania pubescens, Cajanus cajan,Wendlandia uvariifolia, Siegesbeckia glabrescens, Azolla imbricate,Juncus bufonius, Poikilospermum suaveolens, Clerodendrum trichotomumvar. fargesii, Porandra ramosa, Annona glabra, Sterculia pexa, Phoebepuwenensis, Myriopteron extensum, Croton lachnocarpa, Dilleniaturbinata, Alpinia blepharocalyx, Crotalaria spectabilis, Ficus lacor,Ravenala madagascariensis, Cocculus orbiculatus, Drynaria fortunei,Acrachne racemosa, Pseuderanthemum polyanthum, Eriobotrys serrata,Vernonia arborea, Adianthum caudatum, Phaseolus lunatus, Ipomoeacairica, Alopecurus aequalis, Arenga pinnata, Rhynchosia yunnanensis,Syzygium cumini, Clausena dunniana, Cyclosurus parasiticus, and/orSolanum carolinense, or any combination thereof, or all of such plants,plant parts, or extracts thereof, or at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27,28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45,46, 47, 48, 49, and/or 50 of such plants, plant parts, or extractsthereof. The compositions can also include additional ingredientsdescribed throughout this specification. The concentrations of the plantextracts and/or additional ingredients can vary. In non-limitingembodiments, for example, the compositions can include in their finalform, for example, at least about 0.0001%, 0.0002%, 0.0003%, 0.0004%,0.0005%, 0.0006%, 0.0007%, 0.0008%, 0.0009%, 0.0010%, 0.0011%, 0.0012%,0.0013%, 0.0014%, 0.0015%, 0.0016%, 0.0017%, 0.0018%, 0.0019%, 0.0020%,0.0021%, 0.0022%, 0.0023%, 0.0024%, 0.0025%, 0.0026%, 0.0027%, 0.0028%,0.0029%, 0.0030%, 0.0031%, 0.0032%, 0.0033%, 0.0034%, 0.0035%, 0.0036%,0.0037%, 0.0038%, 0.0039%, 0.0040%, 0.0041%, 0.0042%, 0.0043%, 0.0044%,0.0045%, 0.0046%, 0.0047%, 0.0048%, 0.0049%, 0.0050%, 0.0051%, 0.0052%,0.0053%, 0.0054%, 0.0055%, 0.0056%, 0.0057%, 0.0058%, 0.0059%, 0.0060%,0.0061%, 0.0062%, 0.0063%, 0.0064%, 0.0065%, 0.0066%, 0.0067%, 0.0068%,0.0069%, 0.0070%, 0.0071%, 0.0072%, 0.0073%, 0.0074%, 0.0075%, 0.0076%,0.0077%, 0.0078%, 0.0079%, 0.0080%, 0.0081%, 0.0082%, 0.0083%, 0.0084%,0.0085%, 0.0086%, 0.0087%, 0.0088%, 0.0089%, 0.0090%, 0.0091%, 0.0092%,0.0093%, 0.0094%, 0.0095%, 0.0096%, 0.0097%, 0.0098%, 0.0099%, 0.0100%,0.0200%, 0.0250%, 0.0275%, 0.0300%, 0.0325%, 0.0350%, 0.0375%, 0.0400%,0.0425%, 0.0450%, 0.0475%, 0.0500%, 0.0525%, 0.0550%, 0.0575%, 0.0600%,0.0625%, 0.0650%, 0.0675%, 0.0700%, 0.0725%, 0.0750%, 0.0775%, 0.0800%,0.0825%, 0.0850%, 0.0875%, 0.0900%, 0.0925%, 0.0950%, 0.0975%, 0.1000%,0.1250%, 0.1500%, 0.1750%, 0.2000%, 0.2250%, 0.2500%, 0.2750%, 0.3000%,0.3250%, 0.3500%, 0.3750%, 0.4000%, 0.4250%, 0.4500%, 0.4750%, 0.5000%,0.5250%, 0.550%, 0.5750%, 0.6000%, 0.6250%, 0.6500%, 0.6750%, 0.7000%,0.7250%, 0.7500%, 0.7750%, 0.8000%, 0.8250%, 0.8500%, 0.8750%, 0.9000%,0.9250%, 0.9500%, 0.9750%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 1.6%,1.7%, 1.8%, 1.9%, 2.0%, 2.1%, 2.2%, 2.3%, 2.4%, 2.5%, 2.6%, 2.7%, 2.8%,2.9%, 3.0%, 3.1%, 3.2%, 3.3%, 3.4%, 3.5%, 3.6%, 3.7%, 3.8%, 3.9%, 4.0%,4.1%, 4.2%, 4.3%, 4.4%, 4.5%, 4.6%, 4.7%, 4.8%, 4.9%, 5.0%, 5.1%, 5.2%,5.3%, 5.4%, 5.5%, 5.6%, 5.7%, 5.8%, 5.9%, 6.0%, 6.1%, 6.2%, 6.3%, 6.4%,6.5%, 6.6%, 6.7%, 6.8%, 6.9%, 7.0%, 7.1%, 7.2%, 7.3%, 7.4%, 7.5%, 7.6%,7.7%, 7.8%, 7.9%, 8.0%, 8.1%, 8.2%, 8.3%, 8.4%, 8.5%, 8.6%, 8.7%, 8.8%,8.9%, 9.0%, 9.1%, 9.2%, 9.3%, 9.4%, 9.5%, 9.6%, 9.7%, 9.8%, 9.9%, 10%,11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%,25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%,80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 99% or more, or any range or integer derivabletherein, of at least one of the plant extracts identified in thisspecification or any combination thereof or additional ingredients. Innon-limiting aspects, the percentage of such ingredients can becalculated by weight or volume of the total weight of the compositions.The concentrations can vary depending on the desired effect of thecompositions or on the product into which the compositions areincorporated.

2. Composition Vehicles

The compositions of the present invention can be formulated into alltypes of vehicles. Non-limiting examples of suitable vehicles includeemulsions (e.g., oil-in-water, water-in-oil, silicone-in-water,water-in-silicone, water-in-oil-in-water, oil-in-water,oil-in-water-in-oil, oil-in-water-in-silicone, etc.), creams, lotions,solutions (both aqueous and hydro-alcoholic), anhydrous bases (such aslipsticks and powders), gels, ointments, pastes, milks, liquids,aerosols, solid forms, or eye jellies. Variations and other appropriatevehicles will be apparent to the skilled artisan and are appropriate foruse in the present invention. In certain aspects, the concentrations andcombinations of the ingredients can be selected in such a way that thecombinations are chemically compatible and do not form complexes whichprecipitate from the finished product.

It is also contemplated that the plant extracts and additionalingredients identified throughout this specification can be encapsulatedfor delivery to a target area such as skin. Non-limiting examples ofencapsulation techniques include the use of liposomes, vesicles, and/ornanoparticles (e.g., biodegradable and non-biodegradable colloidalparticles comprising polymeric materials in which the ingredient istrapped, encapsulated, and/or absorbed—examples include nanospheres andnanocapsules) that can be used as delivery vehicles to deliver suchingredients to skin (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,387,398; U.S. Pat. No.6,203,802; U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,744; Kreuter 1988).

Also contemplated are pharmaceutically-acceptable orpharmacologically-acceptable compositions. The phrase“pharmaceutically-acceptable” or “pharmacologically-acceptable” includescompositions that do not produce an allergic or similar untowardreaction when administered to a human. Typically, such compositions areprepared either as topical compositions, liquid solutions orsuspensions, solid forms suitable for solution in, or suspension in,liquid prior to use can also be prepared. Routes of administration canvary with the location and nature of the condition to be treated, andinclude, e.g., topical, inhalation, intradermal, transdermal,parenteral, intravenous, intramuscular, intranasal, subcutaneous,percutaneous, intratracheal, intraperitoneal, intratumoral, perfusion,lavage, direct injection (e.g., an injectable solution), and oraladministration and formulation (e.g., tablets, capsules, etc.).

3. Products

The compositions of the present invention can be incorporated intoproducts. Non-limiting examples of products include cosmetic products,food-based products (e.g., fortified water, energy drinks, nutritionaldrinks, vitamins, supplements, solid foods), pharmaceutical products,etc. By way of example only, non-limiting cosmetic products includesunscreen products, sunless skin tanning products, hair products (e.g.,shampoos, conditioners, colorants, dyes, bleaches, straighteners, andpermanent wave products), fingernail products, moisturizing creams, skincreams and lotions, softeners, day lotions, gels, ointments,foundations, night creams, lipsticks and lip balms, cleansers, toners,masks, deodorants, antiperspirants, exfoliating compositions,shaving-related products (e.g., creams, “bracers” and aftershaves),pre-moistened wipes and washcloths, tanning lotions, bath products suchas oils, foot care products such as powders and sprays, skin colorantand make-up products such as foundations, blushes, rouges eye shadowsand lines, lip colors and mascaras, baby products (e.g., baby lotions,oils, shampoos, powders and wet wipes), and skin or facial peelproducts. Additionally, the cosmetic products can be formulated asleave-on or rinse-off products.

4. Additional Ingredients

Compositions of the present invention can include additionalingredients. Non-limiting examples of additional ingredients includecosmetic ingredients (both active and non-active) and pharmaceuticalingredients (both active and non-active).

a. Cosmetic Ingredients

The CTFA International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook(2008), 12^(th) Edition, describes a wide variety of non-limitingcosmetic ingredients that can be used in the context of the presentinvention. Examples of these ingredient classes include: fragrances(artificial and natural), dyes and color ingredients (e.g., Blue 1, Blue1 Lake, Red 40, titanium dioxide, D&C blue no. 4, D&C green no. 5, D&Corange no. 4, D&C red no. 17, D&C red no. 33, D&C violet no. 2, D&Cyellow no. 10, and D&C yellow no. 11), adsorbents, emulsifiers,stabilizers, lubricants, solvents, moisturizers (including, e.g.,emollients, humectants, film formers, occlusive agents, and agents thataffect the natural moisturization mechanisms of the skin),water-repellants, UV absorbers (physical and chemical absorbers such asparaaminobenzoic acid (“PABA”) and corresponding PABA derivatives,titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, etc.), essential oils, vitamins (e.g., A,B, C, D, E, and K), trace metals (e.g., zinc, calcium and selenium),anti-irritants (e.g., steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories),botanical extracts (e.g., aloe vera, chamomile, cucumber extract, ginkgobiloba, ginseng, and rosemary), anti-microbial agents, antioxidants(e.g., BHT and tocopherol), chelating agents (e.g., disodium EDTA andtetrasodium EDTA), preservatives (e.g., methylparaben andpropylparaben), pH adjusters (e.g., sodium hydroxide and citric acid),absorbents (e.g., aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, kaolin, corn starch,oat starch, cyclodextrin, talc, and zeolite), skin bleaching andlightening agents (e.g., hydroquinone and niacinamide lactate),humectants (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentyleneglycol, sorbitol, urea, and manitol), exfoliants (e.g.,alpha-hydroxyacids, and beta-hydroxyacids such as lactic acid, glycolicacid, and salicylic acid; and salts thereof) waterproofing agents (e.g.,magnesium/aluminum hydroxide stearate), skin conditioning agents (e.g.,aloe extracts, allantoin, bisabolol, ceramides, dimethicone, hyaluronicacid, and dipotassium glycyrrhizate), thickening agents (e.g.,substances which that can increase the viscosity of a composition suchas carboxylic acid polymers, crosslinked polyacrylate polymers,polyacrylamide polymers, polysaccharides, and gums), and siliconecontaining compounds (e.g., silicone oils and polyorganosiloxanes). Thefollowing provides specific non-limiting examples of some of theadditional ingredients that can be used with the compositions of thepresent invention.

i. Sunscreen Agents

UV absorption agents that can be used in combination with thecompositions of the present invention include chemical and physicalsunblocks. Non-limiting examples of chemical sunblocks that can be usedinclude para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), PABA esters (glyceryl PABA,amyldimethyl PABA and octyldimethyl PABA), butyl PABA, ethyl PABA, ethyldihydroxypropyl PABA, benzophenones (oxybenzone, sulisobenzone,benzophenone, and benzophenone-1 through 12), cinnamates (octylmethoxycinnamate, isoamyl p-methoxycinnamate, octylmethoxy cinnamate,cinoxate, diisopropyl methyl cinnamate, DEA-methoxycinnamate, ethyldiisopropylcinnamate, glyceryl octanoate dimethoxycinnamate and ethylmethoxycinnamate), cinnamate esters, salicylates (homomethyl salicylate,benzyl salicylate, glycol salicylate, isopropylbenzyl salicylate, etc.),anthranilates, ethyl urocanate, homosalate, octisalate, dibenzoylmethanederivatives (e.g., avobenzone), octocrylene, octyl triazone, digalloytrioleate, glyceryl aminobenzoate, lawsone with dihydroxyacetone,ethylhexyl triazone, dioctyl butamido triazone, benzylidene malonatepolysiloxane, terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid, disodium phenyldibenzimidazole tetrasulfonate, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexylbenzoate, bis diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl benzoate, bisbenzoxazoylphenyl ethylhexylimino triazine, drometrizole trisiloxane,methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutyiphenol, andbis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyltriazine,4-methylbenzylidenecamphor, and isopentyl 4-methoxycinnamate.Non-limiting examples of physical sunblocks include, kaolin, talc,petrolatum and metal oxides (e.g., titanium dioxide and zinc oxide).Compositions of the present invention can have UVA and UVB absorptionproperties. The compositions can have an sun protection factor (SPF) of2, 3, 4, 56, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45,50, 55, 60, 70, 80, 90 or more, or any integer or derivative therein.

ii. Moisturizing Agents

Non-limiting examples of moisturizing agents that can be used with thecompositions of the present invention include amino acids, chondroitinsulfate, diglycerin, erythritol, fructose, glucose, glycerin, glycerolpolymers, glycol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, honey, hyaluronic acid,hydrogenated honey, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, inositol, lactitol,maltitol, maltose, mannitol, natural moisturizing factor, PEG-15butanediol, polyglyceryl sorbitol, salts of pyrollidone carboxylic acid,potassium PCA, propylene glycol, sodium glucuronate, sodium PCA,sorbitol, sucrose, trehalose, urea, and xylitol.

Other examples include acetylated lanolin, acetylated lanolin alcohol,acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, acrylates copolymer,alanine, algae extract, aloe barbadensis, aloe-barbadensis extract, aloebarbadensis gel, althea officinalis extract, aluminum starchoctenylsuccinate, aluminum stearate, apricot (prunus armeniaca) kerneloil, arginine, arginine aspartate, arnica montana extract, ascorbicacid, ascorbyl palmitate, aspartic acid, avocado (persea gratissima)oil, barium sulfate, barrier sphingolipids, butyl alcohol, beeswax,behenyl alcohol, beta-sitosterol, BHT, birch (betula alba) bark extract,borage (borago officinalis) extract, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol,butcherbroom (ruscus aculeatus) extract, butylene glycol, calendulaofficinalis extract, calendula officinalis oil, candelilla (euphorbiacerifera) wax, canola oil, caprylic/capric triglyceride, cardamon(elettaria cardamomum) oil, carnauba (copernicia cerifera) wax,carrageenan (chondrus crispus), carrot (daucus carota sativa) oil,castor (ricinus communis) oil, ceramides, ceresin, ceteareth-5,ceteareth-12, ceteareth-20, cetearyl octanoate, ceteth-20, ceteth-24,cetyl acetate, cetyl octanoate, cetyl palmitate, chamomile (anthemisnobilis) oil, cholesterol, cholesterol esters, cholesterylhydroxystearate, citric acid, clary (salvia sclarea) oil, cocoa(theobroma cacao) butter, coco-caprylate/caprate, coconut (cocosnucifera) oil, collagen, collagen amino acids, corn (zea mays) oil,fatty acids, decyl oleate, dextrin, diazolidinyl urea, dimethiconecopolyol, dimethiconol, dioctyl adipate, dioctyl succinate,dipentaerythrityl hexacaprylate/hexacaprate, DMDM hydantoin, DNA,erythritol, ethoxydiglycol, ethyl linoleate, eucalyptus globulus oil,evening primrose (oenothera biennis) oil, fatty acids, tructose,gelatin, geranium maculatum oil, glucosamine, glucose glutamate,glutamic acid, glycereth-26, glycerin, glycerol, glyceryl distearate,glyceryl hydroxystearate, glyceryl laurate, glyceryl linoleate, glycerylmyristate, glyceryl oleate, glyceryl stearate, glyceryl stearate SE,glycine, glycol stearate, glycol stearate SE, glycosaminoglycans, grape(vitis vinifera) seed oil, hazel (corylus americana) nut oil, hazel(corylus avellana) nut oil, hexylene glycol, honey, hyaluronic acid,hybrid safflower (carthamus tinctorius) oil, hydrogenated castor oil,hydrogenated coco-glycerides, hydrogenated coconut oil, hydrogenatedlanolin, hydrogenated lecithin, hydrogenated palm glyceride,hydrogenated palm kernel oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, hydrogenatedtallow glyceride, hydrogenated vegetable oil, hydrolyzed collagen,hydrolyzed elastin, hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans, hydrolyzed keratin,hydrolyzed soy protein, hydroxylated lanolin, hydroxyproline,imidazolidinyl urea, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, isocetyl stearate,isocetyl stearoyl stearate, isodecyl oleate, isopropyl isostearate,isopropyl lanolate, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropylstearate, isostearamide DEA, isostearic acid, isostearyl lactate,isostearyl neopentanoate, jasmine (jasminum officinale) oil, jojoba(buxus chinensis) oil, kelp, kukui (aleurites moluccana) nut oil,lactamide MEA, laneth-16, laneth-10 acetate, lanolin, lanolin acid,lanolin alcohol, lanolin oil, lanolin wax, lavender (lavandulaangustifolia) oil, lecithin, lemon (citrus medica limonum) oil, linoleicacid, linolenic acid, macadamia ternifolia nut oil, magnesium stearate,magnesium sulfate, maltitol, matricaria (chamomilla recutita) oil,methyl glucose sesquistearate, methylsilanol PCA, microcrystalline wax,mineral oil, mink oil, mortierella oil, myristyl lactate, myristylmyristate, myristyl propionate, neopentyl glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate,octyldodecanol, octyldodecyl myristate, octyldodecyl stearoyl stearate,octyl hydroxystearate, octyl palmitate, octyl salicylate, octylstearate, oleic acid, olive (olea europaea) oil, orange (citrusaurantium dulcis) oil, palm (elaeis guineensis) oil, palmitic acid,pantethine, panthenol, panthenyl ethyl ether, paraffin, PCA, peach(prunus persica) kernel oil, peanut (arachis hypogaea) oil, PEG-8 C12-18ester, PEG-15 cocamine, PEG-150 distearate, PEG-60 glyceryl isostearate,PEG-5 glyceryl stearate, PEG-30 glyceryl stearate, PEG-7 hydrogenatedcastor oil, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-60 hydrogenated castoroil, PEG-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate, PEG40 sorbitan peroleate,PEG-5 soy sterol, PEG-10 soy sterol, PEG-2 stearate, PEG-8 stearate,PEG-20 stearate, PEG-32 stearate, PEG40 stearate, PEG-50 stearate,PEG-100 stearate, PEG-150 stearate, pentadecalactone, peppermint (menthapiperita) oil, petrolatum, phospholipids, polyamino sugar condensate,polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, polyquaternium-24, polysorbate 20,polysorbate 40, polysorbate 60, polysorbate 80, polysorbate 85,potassium myristate, potassium palmitate, potassium sorbate, potassiumstearate, propylene glycol, propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate,propylene glycol dioctanoate, propylene glycol dipelargonate, propyleneglycol laurate, propylene glycol stearate, propylene glycol stearate SE,PVP, pyridoxine dipalmitate, quaternium-15, quaternium-18 hectorite,quaternium-22, retinol, retinyl palmitate, rice (oryza sativa) bran oil,RNA, rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis) oil, rose oil, safflower(carthamus tinctorius) oil, sage (salvia officinalis) oil, salicylicacid, sandalwood (santalum album) oil, serine, serum protein, sesame(sesamum indicum) oil, shea butter (butyrospermum parkii), silk powder,sodium chondroitin sulfate, sodium hyaluronate, sodium lactate, sodiumpalmitate, sodium PCA, sodium polyglutamate, sodium stearate, solublecollagen, sorbic acid, sorbitan laurate, sorbitan oleate, sorbitanpalmitate, sorbitan sesquioleate, sorbitan stearate, sorbitol, soybean(glycine soja) oil, sphingolipids, squalane, squalene, stearamideMEA-stearate, stearic acid, stearoxy dimethicone,stearoxytrimethylsilane, stearyl alcohol, stearyl glycyrrhetinate,stearyl heptanoate, stearyl stearate, sunflower (helianthus annuus) seedoil, sweet almond (prunus amygdalus dulcis) oil, synthetic beeswax,tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate, tocopheryl linoleate, tribehenin,tridecyl neopentanoate, tridecyl stearate, triethanolamine, tristearin,urea, vegetable oil, water, waxes, wheat (triticum vulgare) germ oil,and ylang ylang (cananga odorata) oil.

iii. Antioxidants

Non-limiting examples of antioxidants that can be used with thecompositions of the present invention include acetyl cysteine, ascorbicacid polypeptide, ascorbyl dipalmitate, ascorbyl methylsilanolpectinate, ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl stearate, BHA, BHT, t-butylhydroquinone, cysteine, cysteine HCl, diamylhydroquinone,di-t-butylhydroquinone, dicetyl thiodipropionate, dioleyl tocopherylmethylsilanol, disodium ascorbyl sulfate, distearyl thiodipropionate,ditridecyl thiodipropionate, dodecyl gallate, erythorbic acid, esters ofascorbic acid, ethyl ferulate, ferulic acid, gallic acid esters,hydroquinone, isooctyl thioglycolate, kojic acid, magnesium ascorbate,magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, methylsilanol ascorbate, natural botanicalanti-oxidants such as green tea or grape seed extracts,nordihydroguaiaretic acid, octyl gallate, phenylthioglycolic acid,potassium ascorbyl tocopheryl phosphate, potassium sulfite, propylgallate, quinones, rosmarinic acid, sodium ascorbate, sodium bisulfite,sodium erythorbate, sodium metabisulfite, sodium sulfite, superoxidedismutase, sodium thioglycolate, sorbityl furfural, thiodiglycol,thiodiglycolamide, thiodiglycolic acid, thioglycolic acid, thiolacticacid, thiosalicylic acid, tocophereth-5, tocophereth-10, tocophereth-12,tocophereth-18, tocophereth-50, tocopherol, tocophersolan, tocopherylacetate, tocopheryl linoleate, tocopheryl nicotinate, tocopherylsuccinate, and tris(nonylphenyl)phosphite.

iv. Structuring Agents

In other non-limiting aspects, the compositions of the present inventioncan include a structuring agent. Structuring agents, in certain aspects,assist in providing rheological characteristics to the composition tocontribute to the composition's stability. In other aspects, structuringagents can also function as an emulsifier or surfactant. Non-limitingexamples of structuring agents include stearic acid, palmitic acid,stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, stearic acid, palmiticacid, the polyethylene glycol ether of stearyl alcohol having an averageof about 1 to about 21 ethylene oxide units, the polyethylene glycolether of cetyl alcohol having an average of about 1 to about 5 ethyleneoxide units, and mixtures thereof.

v. Emulsifiers

In some non-limiting aspects, the compositions can include one or moreemulsifiers. Emulsifiers can reduce the interfacial tension betweenphases and improve the formulation and stability of an emulsion. Theemulsifiers can be nonionic, cationic, anionic, and zwitterionicemulsifiers (See McCutcheon's (1986); U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,011,681;4,421,769; 3,755,560). Non-limiting examples include esters of glycerin,esters of propylene glycol, fatty acid esters of polyethylene glycol,fatty acid esters of polypropylene glycol, esters of sorbitol, esters ofsorbitan anhydrides, carboxylic acid copolymers, esters and ethers ofglucose, ethoxylated ethers, ethoxylated alcohols, alkyl phosphates,polyoxyethylene fatty ether phosphates, fatty acid amides, acyllactylates, soaps, TEA stearate, DEA oleth-3 phosphate, polyethyleneglycol 20 sorbitan monolaurate (polysorbate 20), polyethylene glycol 5soya sterol, steareth-2, steareth-20, steareth-21, ceteareth-20, PPG-2methyl glucose ether distearate, ceteth-10, polysorbate 80, cetylphosphate, potassium cetyl phosphate, diethanolamine cetyl phosphate,polysorbate 60, glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate, and mixturesthereof.

vi. Silicone Containing Compounds

In non-limiting aspects, silicone containing compounds include anymember of a family of polymeric products whose molecular backbone ismade up of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms with side groupsattached to the silicon atoms. By varying the —Si—O— chain lengths, sidegroups, and crosslinking, silicones can be synthesized into a widevariety of materials. They can vary in consistency from liquid to gel tosolids.

The silicone containing compounds that can be used in the context of thepresent invention include those described in this specification or thoseknown to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Non-limiting examplesinclude silicone oils (e.g., volatile and non-volatile oils), gels, andsolids. In preferred aspects, the silicon containing compounds includesa silicone oils such as a polyorganosiloxane. Non-limiting examples ofpolyorganosiloxanes include dimethicone, cyclomethicone,polysilicone-11, phenyl trimethicone, trimethylsilylamodimethicone,stearoxytrimethylsilane, or mixtures of these and other organosiloxanematerials in any given ratio in order to achieve the desired consistencyand application characteristics depending upon the intended application(e.g., to a particular area such as the skin, hair, or eyes). A“volatile silicone oil” includes a silicone oil have a low heat ofvaporization, i.e. normally less than about 50 cal per gram of siliconeoil. Non-limiting examples of volatile silicone oils include:cyclomethicones such as Dow Corning 344 Fluid, Dow Corning 345 Fluid,Dow Corning 244 Fluid, and Dow Corning 245 Fluid, Volatile Silicon 7207(Union Carbide Corp., Danbury, Conn.); low viscosity dimethicones, i.e.dimethicones having a viscosity of about 50 cst or less (e.g.,dimethicones such as Dow Corning 200-0.5 cst Fluid). The Dow CorningFluids are available from Dow Corning Corporation, Midland, Mich.Cyclomethicone and dimethicone are described in the Third Edition of theCTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary (incorporated by reference) ascyclic dimethyl polysiloxane compounds and a mixture of fully methylatedlinear siloxane polymers end-blocked with trimethylsiloxy units,respectively. Other non-limiting volatile silicone oils that can be usedin the context of the present invention include those available fromGeneral Electric Co., Silicone Products Div., Waterford, N.Y. and SWSSilicones Div. of Stauffer Chemical Co., Adrian, Mich.

vii. Essential Oils

Essential oils include oils derived from herbs, flowers, trees, andother plants. Such oils are typically present as tiny droplets betweenthe plant's cells, and can be extracted by several method known to thoseof skill in the art (e.g., steam distilled, enfleurage (i.e., extractionby using fat), maceration, solvent extraction, or mechanical pressing).When these types of oils are exposed to air they tend to evaporate(i.e., a volatile oil). As a result, many essential oils are colorless,but with age they can oxidize and become darker. Essential oils areinsoluble in water and are soluble in alcohol, ether, fixed oils(vegetal), and other organic solvents. Typical physical characteristicsfound in essential oils include boiling points that vary from about 160°to 240° C. and densities ranging from about 0.759 to about 1.096.

Essential oils typically are named by the plant from which the oil isfound. For example, rose oil or peppermint oil are derived from rose orpeppermint plants, respectively. Non-limiting examples of essential oilsthat can be used in the context of the present invention include sesameoil, macadamia nut oil, tea tree oil, evening primrose oil, Spanish sageoil, Spanish rosemary oil, coriander oil, thyme oil, pimento berriesoil, rose oil, anise oil, balsam oil, bergamot oil, rosewood oil, cedaroil, chamomile oil, sage oil, clary sage oil, clove oil, cypress oil,eucalyptus oil, fennel oil, sea fennel oil, frankincense oil, geraniumoil, ginger oil, grapefruit oil, jasmine oil, juniper oil, lavender oil,lemon oil, lemongrass oil, lime oil, mandarin oil, marjoram oil, myrrhoil, neroli oil, orange oil, patchouli oil, pepper oil, black pepperoil, petitgrain oil, pine oil, rose otto oil, rosemary oil, sandalwoodoil, spearmint oil, spikenard oil, vetiver oil, wintergreen oil, orylang ylang. Other essential oils known to those of skill in the art arealso contemplated as being useful within the context of the presentinvention.

viii. Thickening Agents

Thickening agents, including thickener or gelling agents, includesubstances that can increase the viscosity of a composition. Thickenersinclude those that can increase the viscosity of a composition withoutsubstantially modifying the efficacy of the active ingredient within thecomposition. Thickeners can also increase the stability of thecompositions of the present invention.

Non-limiting examples of additional thickening agents that can be usedin the context of the present invention include carboxylic acidpolymers, crosslinked polyacrylate polymers, polyacrylamide polymers,polysaccharides, and gums. Examples of carboxylic acid polymers includecrosslinked compounds containing one or more monomers derived fromacrylic acid, substituted acrylic acids, and salts and esters of theseacrylic acids and the substituted acrylic acids, wherein thecrosslinking agent contains two or more carbon-carbon double bonds andis derived from a polyhydric alcohol (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,087,445;4,509,949; 2,798,053; CTFA International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary,Fourth edition, 1991, pp. 12 and 80). Examples of commercially availablecarboxylic acid polymers include carbomers, which are homopolymers ofacrylic acid crosslinked with allyl ethers of sucrose or pentaerytritol(e.g., Carbopol™ 900 series from B. F. Goodrich).

Non-limiting examples of crosslinked polyacrylate polymers includecationic and nonionic polymers. Examples are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,100,660; 4,849,484; 4,835,206; 4,628,078; 4,599,379).

Non-limiting examples of polyacrylamide polymers (including nonionicpolyacrylamide polymers including substituted branched or unbranchedpolymers) include polyacrylamide, isoparaffin and laureth-7, multi-blockcopolymers of acrylamides and substituted acrylamides with acrylic acidsand substituted acrylic acids.

Non-limiting examples of polysaccharides include cellulose,carboxymethyl hydroxyethylcellulose, cellulose acetate propionatecarboxylate, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl ethylcellulose,hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methylhydroxyethylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium cellulosesulfate, and mixtures thereof. Another example is an alkyl substitutedcellulose where the hydroxy groups of the cellulose polymer ishydroxyalkylated (preferably hydroxy ethylated or hydroxypropylated) toform a hydroxyalkylated cellulose which is then further modified with aC₁₀-C₃₀ straight chain or branched chain alkyl group through an etherlinkage. Typically these polymers are ethers of C₁₀-C₃₀ straight orbranched chain alcohols with hydroxyalkylcelluloses. Other usefulpolysaccharides include scleroglucans comprising a linear chain of (1-3)linked glucose units with a (1-6) linked glucose every three unit.

Non-limiting examples of gums that can be used with the presentinvention include acacia, agar, algin, alginic acid, ammonium alginate,amylopectin, calcium alginate, calcium carrageenan, carnitine,carrageenan, dextrin, gelatin, gellan gum, guar gum, guarhydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, hectorite, hyaluroinic acid, hydratedsilica, hydroxypropyl chitosan, hydroxypropyl guar, karaya gum, kelp,locust bean gum, natto gum, potassium alginate, potassium carrageenan,propylene glycol alginate, sclerotium gum, sodium carboyxmethyl dextran,sodium carrageenan, tragacanth gum, xanthan gum, and mixtures thereof.

b. Pharmaceutical Ingredients

Pharmaceutical ingredients are also contemplated as being useful withthe emulsion compositions of the present invention. Non-limitingexamples of pharmaceutical ingredients include anti-acne agents, agentsused to treat rosacea, analgesics, anesthetics, anorectals,antihistamines, anti-inflammatory agents including non-steroidalanti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals,antimicrobials, anti-cancer actives, scabicides, pediculicides,antineoplastics, antiperspirants, antipruritics, antipsoriatic agents,antiseborrheic agents, biologically active proteins and peptides, burntreatment agents, cauterizing agents, depigmenting agents, depilatories,diaper rash treatment agents, enzymes, hair growth stimulants, hairgrowth retardants including DFMO and its salts and analogs, hemostatics,kerotolytics, canker sore treatment agents, cold sore treatment agents,dental and periodontal treatment agents, photosensitizing actives, skinprotectant/barrier agents, steroids including hormones andcorticosteroids, sunburn treatment agents, sunscreens, transdermalactives, nasal actives, vaginal actives, wart treatment agents, woundtreatment agents, wound healing agents, etc.

D. Kits

Kits are also contemplated as being used in certain aspects of thepresent invention. For instance, a composition of the present inventioncan be included in a kit. A kit can include a container. Containers caninclude a bottle, a metal tube, a laminate tube, a plastic tube, adispenser, a pressurized container, a barrier container, a package, acompartment, a lipstick container, a compact container, cosmetic pansthat can hold cosmetic compositions, or other types of containers suchas injection or blow-molded plastic containers into which thedispersions or compositions or desired bottles, dispensers, or packagesare retained. The kit and/or container can include indicia on itssurface. The indicia, for example, can be a word, a phrase, anabbreviation, a picture, or a symbol.

The containers can dispense a pre-determined amount of a composition. Inother embodiments, the container can be squeezed (e.g., metal, laminate,or plastic tube) to dispense a desired amount of the composition. Thecomposition can be dispensed as a spray, foam, an aerosol, a liquid, afluid, or a semi-solid. The containers can have spray, pump, or squeezemechanisms. A kit can also include instructions for using the kit and/orcompositions. Instructions can include an explanation of how to apply,use, and maintain the compositions.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are included to demonstrate certain non-limitingaspects of the invention. It should be appreciated by those of skill inthe art that the techniques disclosed in the examples which followrepresent techniques discovered by the inventor to function well in thepractice of the invention. However, those of skill in the art should, inlight of the present disclosure, appreciate that many changes can bemade in the specific embodiments which are disclosed and still obtain alike or similar result without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention.

Example 1 Materials and Methods for Obtaining Extracts

The extracts identified in Table 1 were prepared from the whole plant.Each plant was individually obtained, ground, and dried, to produce apowder. The powder was treated according to the process described inFIG. 1. Each extract in Table 1 was prepared by and provided to theinventors by Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences,Yunnan, CHINA.

Example 2 Efficacy of Extracts

Each extract prepared according to the process described in Example 1was subjected to a variety of assays to determine their skin efficacy(note the H₂0 part (v) extract was used for testing—see FIG. 1). Thefollowing Table 1 provides a summary of these data. A description of theassays used to obtain these data is provided below Table 1.

TABLE 1* AO Lipoxy- Tyrosinase Plant Extract** Activity MMP-1 genaseInhibition Phaseolus vulgaris Citrus sinensis Wedelia trilobata EFFECTBurretiodendron hsienmu EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT Bauhinia brachycarpavar. EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT cavaleriei Cystancanthus paniculatus EFFECTCaesalpinia minax Pueraria wallichii Tetracentron sinense EFFECT EFFECTBridelia insulana EFFECT EFFECT Hedyotis verticillata EFFECT EFFECTSyzygium fruticosum EFFECT EFFECT Circidiphyllum japonicum EFFECT EFFECTEFFECT Bauhinia glauca EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT Rhododendron EFFECTEFFECT EFFECT siderophyllum Cudrania pubescens EFFECT EFFECT Cajanuscajan EFFECT Wendlandia uvariifolia EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT Siegesbeckiaglabrescens Azolla imbricata Juncus bufonius EFFECT PoikilospermumEFFECT suaveolens Clerodendrum EFFECT trichotomum var. fargesii Porandraramosa Annona glabra Sterculia pexa Phoebe puwenensis EFFECT EFFECTMyriopteron extensum EFFECT Croton lachnocarpa EFFECT EFFECT Dilleniaturbinata EFFECT EFFECT Alpinia blepharocalyx EFFECT Crotalariaspectabilis EFFECT Ficus lacor EFFECT EFFECT Ravenala EFFECT EFFECTmadagascariensis Cocculus orbiculatus EFFECT Drynaria fortunei Acrachneracemosa Pseuderanthemum EFFECT poylanthum Eriobotrys serrata EFFECTEFFECT Vernonia arborea EFFECT Adianthum caudatum Phaseolus lunatusEFFECT Ipomoea cairica EFFECT Alopecurus aequalis EFFECT Arenga pinnataEFFECT EFFECT Rhynchosia yunnanensis EFFECT Syzygium cumini EFFECTEFFECT Clausena dunniana Cyclosurus parasiticus EFFECT Solanumcarolinense EFFECT *“EFFECT” means that the given extract had ameasurable effect on the corresponding activity being assayed, which isindicative of beneficial results when applied to skin. **In addition tothe extracts identified in Table 1, these data suggest that any numberof different combinations of such extracts can be used in a product toproduce a multi-functional product. Alternatively, the extracts can beused individually, which still can result in a product having multiplebenefits.

Antioxidant (AO) Assay:

An in vitro bioassay that measures the total anti-oxidant capacity of anextract. The assay relies on the ability of antioxidants in the sampleto inhibit the oxidation of ABTS® (2,2′-azino-di-[3-ethylbenzthiazolinesulphonate]) to ABTS®⋅+ by metmyoglobin. The antioxidant system ofliving organisms includes enzymes such as superoxide dismutase,catalase, and glutathione peroxidase; macromolecules such as albumin,ceruloplasmin, and ferritin; and an array of small molecules, includingascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, β-carotene, reduced glutathione, uric acid,and bilirubin. The sum of endogenous and food-derived antioxidantsrepresents the total antioxidant activity of the extracellular fluid.Cooperation of all the different antioxidants provides greaterprotection against attack by reactive oxygen or nitrogen radicals, thanany single compound alone. Thus, the overall antioxidant capacity maygive more relevant biological information compared to that obtained bythe measurement of individual components, as it considers the cumulativeeffect of all antioxidants present in plasma and body fluids. Thecapacity of the antioxidants in the sample to prevent ABTS oxidation iscompared with that of Trolox, a water-soluble tocopherol analogue, andis quantified as molar Trolox equivalents.

Anti-Oxidant capacity kit #709001 from Cayman Chemical (Ann Arbor, Mich.USA) was used as an in vitro bioassay to measure the total anti-oxidantcapacity of each of the extracts identified in Table 1. The protocol wasfollowed according to manufacturer recommendations. The assay relied onantioxidants in the sample to inhibit the oxidation of ABTS®(2,2′-azino-di-[3-ethylbenzthiazoline sulphonate]) to ABTS®⋅+ bymetmyoglobin. The capacity of the antioxidants in the sample to preventABTS oxidation was compared with that Trolox, a water-soluble tocopherolanalogue, and was quantified as a molar Trolox equivalent.

Matrix Metalloproteinase Enzyme Activity (MMP1) Assay:

An in vitro matrix metalloprotease (MMP) inhibition assay. MMPs areextracellular proteases that play a role in many normal and diseasestates by virtue of their broad substrate specificity. MMP1 substratesinclude collagen IV. The Molecular Probes Enz/ChekGelatinase/Collagenase Assay kit (#E12055) utilizes a fluorogenicgelatin substrate to detect MMP1 protease activity. Upon proteolyticcleavage, bright green fluorescence is revealed and may be monitoredusing a fluorescent microplate reader to measure enzymatic activity.

The Enz/Chek Gelatinase/Collagenase Assay kit (#E12055) from Invitrogenwas used as an in vitro assay to measure MMP1 enzymatic activity foreach of the extracts identified in Tables 1-3. The assay relies upon theability of purified MMP1 enzyme to degrade a fluorogenic gelatinsubstrate. Once the substrate is specifically cleaved by MMP1 brightgreen fluorescence is revealed and may be monitored using a fluorescentmicroplate reader. Test materials are incubated in the presence orabsence of the purified enzyme and substrate to determine their proteaseinhibitor capacity.

Lipoxygenase (LO) Assay:

An in vitro lipoxygenase (LO) inhibition assay. LOs are non-hemeiron-containing dioxygenases that catalyze the addition of molecularoxygen to fatty acids. Linoleate and arachidonate are the mainsubstrates for LOs in plants and animals. Arachadonic acid may then beconverted to hydroxyeicosotrienenoic (HETE) acid derivatives, that aresubsequently converted to leukotirenes, potent inflammatory mediators.This assay provides an accurate and convenient method for screeninglipoxygenase inhibitors by measuring the hydroperoxides generated fromthe incubation of a lipoxygenase (5-, 12-, or 15-LO) with arachidonicacid.

The Colorimetric LO Inhibitor screening kit (#760700, Cayman Chemical)was used to determine the ability of each of the extracts identified inTables 1-3 to inhibit enzyme activity. Purified 15-lipoxygenase and testextracts were mixed in assay buffer and incubated with shaking for 10min at room temperature. Following incubation, arachidonic acid wasadded to initiate the reaction and mixtures incubated for an additional10 min at room temperature. Colorimetric substrate was added toterminate catalysis and color progression was evaluated by fluorescenceplate reading at 490 nm. The percent inhibition of lipoxyganse activitywas calculated compared to non-treated controls to determine the abilityof test extracts to inhibit the activity of purified enzyme.

Tyrosinase Activity Assay:

In mammalian cells, tyrosinase catalyzes two steps in the multi-stepbiosynthesis of melanin pigments from tyrosine (and from thepolymerization of dopachrome). Tyrosinase is localized in melanocytesand produces melanin (aromatic quinone compounds) that imparts color toskin, hair, and eyes.

Purified mushroom tyrosinase (Sigma) was incubated with its substrateL-Dopa (Fisher) in the presence or absence of each of the extracts inTable 1. Pigment formation was evaluated by colorimetric plate readingat 490 nm. The percent inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase activity wascalculated compared to non-treated controls to determine the ability oftest extracts to inhibit the activity of purified enzyme. Test extractinhibition was compared with that of kojic acid (Sigma).

Example 3 Particular Combinations of Extracts

Based, in part, on the above data, it was discovered that a combinationof an aqueous extract from the whole plant of Burretiodendron hsienmu,an aqueous extract from the whole plant of Bauhinia brachycarpa var.cavaleriei, and an aqueous extract from the whole plant of Tetracentronsinense can be used to inhibit/reduce the activity of MMP-1 in skincells. This can lead to increased collagen within skin, which can reducethe appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Aqueous extracts of the wholeplant were used to obtain this data (see FIG. 1, H₂O part (v)). Thiscombination can also be used to inhibit/reduce lipoxygenase activity,tyrosinase activity, and protect skin cells from oxidative damage causedby free-radicals and reactive oxygen species. The use of whole plant canlead to an extract having different ingredients when compared with anextract from a portion of the same plant (e.g., leaf or flower extract).

A further discovery was the combination of an aqueous extract from thewhole plant of Circidiphyllum japonicum, an aqueous extract from thewhole plant of Bauhinia glauca, and an aqueous extract from the wholeplant of Rhododendron siderophyllum to inhibit/reduce lipoxygenaseactivity in said skin. This can be useful in reducing sebum productionin skin, which can lead to an effective way to control or reduce theappearance of oily or shiny skin. This combination can also inhibitMMP-1 activity, tyrosinase activity, and protect skin cells fromoxidative damage caused by free-radicals and reactive oxygen species. Aspreviously noted, aqueous extracts of the whole plant were used toobtain this data (see FIG. 1, H₂O part (v)). The use of whole plant canlead to an extract having different ingredients when compared, with anextract from a portion of the same plant (e.g., leaf or flower extract).

An additional discovery was the combination of an aqueous extract fromthe whole plant of Burretiodendron hsienmu, an aqueous extract from thewhole plant of Bauhinia glauca, and an aqueous extract from the wholeplant of Wendlandia uvariifolia to reduce/inhibit tyrosinase activity inskin cells. By attacking the tyrosinase pathway, a reduction in melaninproduction can be obtained. This allows for the skin to appear lighter,thus reducing the appearance of hyperpigmented skin (e.g., dark spots,liver spots, age spots, sun spots, and melasmic skin). This combinationcan also inhibit MMP-1 activity, lipoxygenase activity, and protect skincells from oxidative damage caused by free-radicals and reactive oxygenspecies. As previously noted, aqueous extracts of the whole plant wereused to obtain this data (see FIG. 1, H₂O part (v)). Again, the use ofwhole plant can lead to an extract having different ingredients whencompared, with an extract from a portion of the same plant (e.g., leafor flower extract).

Example 4 Testing Vehicles and Sample Compositions

Tables 2 and 3 describe generic skin testing formulations in which askin active ingredient can be incorporated into to determine the typesof skin benefits that can be attributed to the skin active ingredient.These formulations are prepared in such a manner that any resulting skinbenefit from topical application of the formula to skin can be directlyattributed to the skin active ingredient being tested. In the context ofthe present invention, the skin active ingredient that can be tested canbe a plant, plant part, or extract thereof from Phaseolus vulgaris,Citris sinensis, Wedelia trilobata, Burretiodendron hsienmu, Bauhiniabrachycarpa var. cavaleriei, Cystacanthus paniculatus, Caesalpiniaminax, Pueraria wallichii, Tetracentron sinense, Bridelia insulana,Hedyotis verticillata, Syzygium fruticosum, Cercidiphyllum japonicum,Bauhinia glauca, Rhododendron siderophyllum, Cudrania pubescens, Cajanuscajan, Wendlandia uvariifolia, Siegesbeckia glabrescens, Azollaimbricate, Juncus bufonius, Poikilospermum suaveolens, Clerodendrumtrichotomum var. fargesii, Porandra ramosa, Annona glabra, Sterculiapexa, Phoebe puwenensis, Myriopteron extensum, Croton lachnocarpa,Dillenia turbinata, Alpinia blepharocalyx, Crotalaria spectabilis, Ficuslacor, Ravenala madagascariensis, Cocculus orbiculatus, Drynariafortunei, Acrachne racemosa, Pseuderanthemum polyanthum, Eriobotrysserrata, Vernonia arborea, Adianthum caudatum, Phaseolus lunatus,Ipomoea cairica, Alopecurus aequalis, Arenga pinnata, Rhynchosiayunnanensis, Syzygium cumini, Clausena dunniana, Cyclosurus parasiticus,and/or Solanum carolinense, or any combination thereof, or all of suchplants, plant parts, or extracts thereof, or at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25,26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43,44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, and/or 50 of such plants, plant parts, orextracts thereof. Any portion of the plant extract can be used fortesting (e.g., root, stem, leaf, flower, flower bulb, bark, fruit, seed,sap, whole plant etc.). It should be recognized that other standardtesting vehicles can also be used to determine the skin benefitproperties of extracts obtained from the plant extracts and that thefollowing formulations are non-limiting testing vehicles.

TABLE 2* Ingredient % Concentration (by weight) Phase A Water 84.80Xanthum gum 0.1 M-paraben 0.15 P-paraben 0.1 Citric acid 0.1 Phase BCetyl alcohol 4.0 Glyceryl stearate + PEG 100 4.0 Octyl palmitate 4.0Dimethicone 1.0 Tocopheryl acetate 0.2 Phase C Plant Extract** 2.0 TOTAL100 *Procedure for making composition: Sprinkle Xanthum gum in water andmix for 10 min. Subsequently, add all ingredients in phase A and heat to70-75° C. Add all items in phase B to separate beaker and heat to 70-75°C. Mix phases A and B at 70-75° C. Continue mixing and allow compositionto cool to 30° C. Subsequently, add phase C ingredient while mixing.**The plant extracts identified throughout this specification can beincorporated into this testing formulation as the skin activeingredient. The extracts can be individually used or combined in thistesting vehicle. The concentration ranges of the extract (or combinationof extracts) can be modified as desired or needed by increasing ordecreasing the amount of water. Any portion of the plant can be used tocreate the skin-active extract (e.g., root, stem, leaf, flower, flowerbulb, bark, fruit, seed, seed pod, sap, whole plant etc.). For instance,each of the combinations note in Example 3 can be used.

TABLE 3* Ingredient % Concentration (by weight) Phase A Water 78.6M-paraben 0.2 P-paraben 0.1 Na2 EDTA 0.1 Shea butter 4.5 Petrolatum 4.5Glycerin 4.0 Propylene Glycol 2.0 Finsolve TN 2.0 Phase B Sepigel 3052.0 Phase C Plant Extract** 2.0 TOTAL 100 *Add ingredients in phase A tobeaker and heat to 70-75° C. while mixing. Subsequently, add the phase Bingredient with phase A and cool to 30° C. with mixing. Subsequently,add phase C ingredient while mixing. **The plant extracts identifiedthroughout this specification can be incorporated into this testingformulation as the skin active ingredient. The extracts can beindividually used or combined in this testing vehicle. The concentrationranges of the extract (or combination of extracts) can be modified asdesired or needed by increasing or decreasing the amount of water. Anyportion of the plant can be used to create the skin-active extract(e.g., root, stem, leaf, flower, flower bulb, bark, fruit, seed, seedpod, sap, whole plant etc.). For instance, each of the combinationsnoted in Example 3 can be used.

The formulations represented in Table 4-9 are non-limiting examples ofthe types of formulations that can be prepared in the context of thepresent invention. Any standard method can be used to prepare suchformulations. For instance, simple mixing of the ingredients in a beakercan be used. One should mix such ingredients and add heat as necessaryto obtain a homogenous composition.

Table 4 includes a non-limiting example of a composition of the presentinvention. The composition can be formulated into an emulsion (e.g.,o/w, w/o, o/w/o, w/o/w, etc.) and the additional ingredients identifiedthroughout the specification can be included into the Table 4composition (e.g., by adjusting the water content of composition).Further, the concentration ranges of the ingredients identified in Table6 can vary depending on a desired formulation (e.g., cream, lotion,moisturizer cleanser, etc.).

TABLE 4 Ingredient % Concentration (by weight) Water q.s. Plant Extract*0.1% to 10% Glycerin 3 to 40% Butylene glycol 0.0001 to 10% Propyleneglycol 0.0001 to 10% Phenoxyethanol 0.0001 to 10% Disodium EDTA 0.0001to 10% Steareth-20 0.0001 to 10% Chlorhexidine Diglunonate 0.0001 to 10%Potasium Sorbate 0.0001 to 10% Preservative** 0.0001 to 2% TOTAL 100*The plant extracts identified throughout this specification can beincorporated into this testing formulation as the skin activeingredient. The extracts can be individually used or combined in thistesting vehicle. The concentration ranges of the extract (or combinationof extracts) can be modified as desired or needed by increasing ordecreasing the amount of water. Any portion of the plant can be used tocreate the skin-active extract (e.g., root, stem, leaf, flower, flowerbulb, bark, fruit, seed, seed pod, sap, whole plant etc.). For instance,each of the combinations noted in Example 3 can be used. **Anypreservative can be used identified in the specification or those knownin the art.

Table 5 includes a non-limiting example of a composition of the presentinvention. The composition can be formulated into an emulsion (e.g.,o/w, w/o, o/w/o, w/o/w, etc.) and the additional ingredients identifiedthroughout the specification can be included into the Table 5composition (e.g., by adjusting the water content of composition).Further, the concentration ranges of the ingredients identified in Table5 can vary depending on a desired formulation (e.g., cream, lotion,moisturizer cleanser, etc.).

Ingredient % Concentration (by weight) Water q.s. Plant Extract* 0.1% to10% Dimethicone 0.0001 to 10% Triethanolamine 0.0001 to 10% Phenonip0.0001 to 10% Betaine 0.0001 to 10% Disodium EDTA 0.0001 to 10%Tocopheryl acetate 0.0001 to 10% Prodew 400 0.0001 to 10% Preservative**0.0001 to 2% TOTAL 100 *The plant extracts identified throughout thisspecification can be incorporated into this testing formulation as theskin active ingredient. The extracts can be individually used orcombined in this testing vehicle. The concentration ranges of theextract (or combination of extracts) can be modified as desired orneeded by increasing or decreasing the amount of water. Any portion ofthe plant can be used to create the skin-active extract (e.g., root,stem, leaf, flower, flower bulb, bark, fruit, seed, seed pod, sap, wholeplant etc.). For instance, each of the combinations noted in Example 3can be used. **Any preservative can be used identified in thespecification or those known in the art.

Table 6 includes a non-limiting example of a composition of the presentinvention. The composition can be formulated into an emulsion (e.g.,o/w, w/o, o/w/o, w/o/w, etc.) and the additional ingredients identifiedthroughout the specification can be included into the Table 6composition (e.g., by adjusting the water content of composition).Further, the concentration ranges of the ingredients identified in Table6 can vary depending on a desired formulation (e.g., cream, lotion,moisturizer cleanser, etc.). In particular embodiments, the Table 8composition can be a moisturizer.

TABLE 6 Ingredient % Concentration (by weight) Water q.s. Plant Extract*0.1% to 10% Glycerin 0.0001 to 10% Pentylene Glycol 0.0001 to 10% CaprylGlycol 0.0001 to 10% Disodium EDTA 0.0001 to 10% Capric/CaprylicTriglyceride 0.0001 to 10% Lipex 205 (Shea Butter) 0.0001 to 10%Squalane 0.0001 to 10% Cetyl Alcohol 0.0001 to 10% Dimethicone 0.0001 to10% Ceramide II 0.0001 to 10% Stearic Acid 0.0001 to 10% Super SterolEster 0.0001 to 10% Arlacel 165 0.0001 to 10% Simulgel 600 0.0001 to 10%TOTAL 100 *The plant extracts identified throughout this specificationcan be incorporated into this testing formulation as the skin activeingredient. The extracts can be individually used or combined in thistesting vehicle. The concentration ranges of the extract (or combinationof extracts) can be modified as desired or needed by increasing ordecreasing the amount of water. Any portion of the plant can be used tocreate the skin-active extract (e.g., root, stem, leaf, flower, flowerbulb, bark, fruit, seed, seed pod, sap, whole plant etc.). For instance,each of the combinations noted in Example 3 can be used.

Table 7 includes a non-limiting example of a composition of the presentinvention. The composition can be formulated into an emulsion (e.g.,o/w, w/o, o/w/o, w/o/w, etc.) and the additional ingredients identifiedthroughout the specification can be included into the Table 7composition (e.g., by adjusting the water content of composition).Further, the concentration ranges of the ingredients identified in Table7 can vary depending on a desired formulation (e.g., cream, lotion,moisturizer cleanser, etc.). In particular embodiments, the Table 9composition can be a moisturizer.

TABLE 7 Ingredient % Concentration (by weight) Water q.s. Plant Extract*0.1% to 10% Glycerin 0.0001 to 10% Pentylene Glycol 0.0001 to 10% CaprylGlycol 0.0001 to 10% Disodium EDTA 0.0001 to 10% Petrolatum 0.0001 to10% Squalane 0.0001 to 10% Cetyl Alcohol 0.0001 to 10% Arlacel 1650.0001 to 10% Dimethicone 0.0001 to 10% Simulgel 600 0.0001 to to %TOTAL 100 *The plant extracts identified throughout this specificationcan be incorporated into this testing formulation as the skin activeingredient. The extracts can be individually used or combined in thistesting vehicle. The concentration ranges of the extract (or combinationof extracts) can be modified as desired or needed by increasing ordecreasing the amount of water. Any portion of the plant can be used tocreate the skin-active extract (e.g., root, stem, leaf, flower, flowerbulb, bark, fruit, seed, seed pod, sap, whole plant etc.). For instance,each of the combinations noted in Example 3 can be used.

Table 8 includes a non-limiting example of a composition of the presentinvention. The composition can be formulated into an emulsion (e.g.,o/w, w/o, o/w/o, w/o/w, etc.) and the additional ingredients identifiedthroughout the specification can be included into the Table 8composition (e.g., by adjusting the water content of composition).Further, the concentration ranges of the ingredients identified in Table8 can vary depending on a desired formulation (e.g., cream, lotion,moisturizer cleanser, etc.). In particular embodiments, the Table 8composition can be a sunscreen lotion.

TABLE 8 Ingredient % Concentration (by weight) Water q.s. Plant Extract*0.1% to 10% Xanthan Gum 0.0001 to 10% Disodium EDTA 0.0001 to 10%Pentylene Glycol 0.0001 to 10% Capryl Glycol 0.0001 to 10% Pemulen TR-10.0001 to 10% Triethanolamine 0.0001 to 10% PVP/Hexadecene Copolymer0.0001 to 10% Finsolv TN 10 to 30% Sorbitan Isostearate 0.0001 to 10%Sunscreen Ingredient** 2 to 25% TOTAL 100 *The plant extracts identifiedthroughout this specification can be incorporated into this testingformulation as the skin active ingredient. The extracts can beindividually used or combined in this testing vehicle. The concentrationranges of the extract (or combination of extracts) can be modified asdesired or needed by increasing or decreasing the amount of water. Anyportion of the plant can be used to create the skin-active extract(e.g., root, stem, leaf, flower, flower bulb, bark, fruit, seed, seedpod, sap, whole plant etc.). **Sunscreen ingredient can be any sunscreeningredient, or combination of such ingredients, identified in thespecification or known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In oneembodiment, the sunscreen ingredient is a combination of zinc oxide andtitanium dioxide. For instance, each of the combinations noted inExample 3 can beused.

Table 9 includes a non-limiting example of a composition of the presentinvention. The additional ingredients identified throughout thespecification can be included into the Table 9 composition (e.g., byadjusting the water content of composition). Further, the concentrationranges of the ingredients identified in Table 9 can vary depending on adesired formulation (e.g., cream, lotion, moisturizer cleanser, etc.).In particular embodiments, the Table 9 composition can be a cleanser.

TABLE 9 Ingredient % Concentration (by weight) Water q.s. Plant Extract*0.1% to 10% Disodium EDTA 0.0001 to 10% Citric Acid 0.0001 to 10%Pentylene Glycol 0.0001 to 10% Capryl Glycol 0.0001 to 10% sodium methylcocoyl taurate 10 to 30% sodium cocoamphodiacetate 1 to 10% TOTAL 100*The plant extracts identified throughout this specification can beincorporated into this testing formulation as the skin activeingredient. The extracts can be individually used or combined in thistesting vehicle. The concentration ranges of the extract (or combinationof extracts) can be modified as desired or needed by increasing ordecreasing the amount of water. Any portion of the plant can be used tocreate the skin-active extract (e.g., root, stem, leaf, flower, flowerbulb, bark, fruit, seed, seed pod, sap, whole plant etc.). For instance,each of the combinations noted in Example 3 can be used.

Example 5 Assays that can be Used to Test Compositions

The efficacy of compositions comprising the plant extracts identifiedthroughout the specification, or a combination of such extracts(including, for example, the formulations identified in Tables 2-9), canbe determined by methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art.The following are non-limiting assays that can be used in the context ofthe present invention. It should be recognized that other testingprocedures can be used, including, for example, objective and subjectiveprocedures.

Erythema Assay:

An assay to measure the reduction of skin redness can be evaluated usinga Minolta Chromometer. Skin erythema may be induced by applying a 0.2%solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate on the forearm of a subject. The areais protected by an occlusive patch for 24 hrs. After 24 hrs, the patchis removed and the irritation-induced redness can be assessed using thea* values of the Minolta Chroma Meter. The a* value measures changes inskin color in the red region. Immediately after reading, the area istreated with a formula containing any one, or any combination thereof,of the extracts identified throughout the specification. Repeatmeasurements are taken at regular intervals to determine the formula'sability to reduce redness, inflammation, or skin irritation.

Skin Moisture/Hydration Assay:

Skin moisture/hydration benefits can be measured by using impedancemeasurements with the Nova Dermal Phase Meter. The impedance metermeasures changes in skin moisture content. The outer layer of the skinhas distinct electrical properties. When skin is dry it conductselectricity very poorly. As it becomes more hydrated increasingconductivity results. Consequently, changes in skin impedance (relatedto conductivity) can be used to assess changes in skin hydration. Theunit can be calibrated according to instrument instructions for eachtesting day. A notation of temperature and relative humidity can also bemade. Subjects can be evaluated as follows: prior to measurement theycan equilibrate in a room with defined humidity (e.g., 30-50%) andtemperature (e.g., 68-72° C.). Three separate impedance readings can betaken on each side of the face, recorded, and averaged. The T5 settingcan be used on the impedance meter which averages the impedance valuesof every five seconds application to the face. Changes can be reportedwith statistical variance and significance.

Skin Clarity and Reduction in Freckles and Age Spots Assay:

Skin clarity and the reduction in freckles and age spots can beevaluated using a Minolta Chromometer. Changes in skin color can beassessed to determine irritation potential due to product treatmentusing the a* values of the Minolta Chroma Meter. The a* value measureschanges in skin color in the red region. This is used to determinewhether a composition is inducing irritation. The measurements can bemade on each side of the face and averaged, as left and right facialvalues. Skin clarity can also be measured using the Minolta Meter. Themeasurement is a combination of the a*, b, and L values of the MinoltaMeter and is related to skin brightness, and correlates well with skinsmoothness and hydration. Skin reading is taken as above. In onenon-limiting aspect, skin clarity can be described as L/C where C ischroma and is defined as (a²+b²)^(1/2).

Skin Dryness, Surface Fine Lines, Skin Smoothness, and Skin Tone Assay:

Skin dryness, surface fine lines, skin smoothness, and skin tone can beevaluated with clinical grading techniques. For example, clinicalgrading of skin dryness can be determined by a five point standardKligman Scale: (0) skin is soft and moist; (1) skin appears normal withno visible dryness; (2) skin feels slightly dry to the touch with novisible flaking; (3) skin feels dry, tough, and has a whitish appearancewith some scaling; and (4) skin feels very dry, rough, and has a whitishappearance with scaling. Evaluations can be made independently by twoclinicians and averaged.

Clinical Grading of Skin Tone Assay:

Clinical grading of skin tone can be performed via a ten point analognumerical scale: (10) even skin of uniform, pinkish brown color. Nodark, erythremic, or scaly patches upon examination with a hand heldmagnifying lens. Microtexture of the skin very uniform upon touch; (7)even skin tone observed without magnification. No scaly areas, butslight discolorations either due to pigmentation or erythema. Nodiscolorations more than 1 cm in diameter; (4) both skin discolorationand uneven texture easily noticeable. Slight scaliness. Skin rough tothe touch in some areas; and (1) uneven skin coloration and texture.Numerous areas of scaliness and discoloration, either hypopigmented,erythremic or dark spots. Large areas of uneven color more than 1 cm indiameter. Evaluations were made independently by two clinicians andaveraged.

Clinical Grading of Skin Smoothness Assay:

Clinical grading of skin smoothness can be analyzed via a ten pointanalog numerical scale: (10) smooth, skin is moist and glistening, noresistance upon dragging finger across surface; (7) somewhat smooth,slight resistance; (4) rough, visibly altered, friction upon rubbing;and (1) rough, flaky, uneven surface. Evaluations were madeindependently by two clinicians and averaged.

Skin Smoothness and Wrinkle Reduction Assay with Methods Disclosed inPackman et al. (1978):

Skin smoothness and wrinkle reduction can also be assessed visually byusing the methods disclosed in Packman et al. (1978). For example, ateach subject visit, the depth, shallowness and the total number ofsuperficial facial lines (SFLs) of each subject can be carefully scoredand recorded. A numerical score was obtained by multiplying a numberfactor times a depth/width/length factor. Scores are obtained for theeye area and mouth area (left and right sides) and added together as thetotal wrinkle score.

Skin Firmness Assay with a Hargens Ballistometer:

Skin firmness can be measured using a Hargens ballistometer, a devicethat evaluates the elasticity and firmness of the skin by dropping asmall body onto the skin and recording its first two rebound peaks. Theballistometry is a small lightweight probe with a relatively blunt tip(4 square mm-contact area) was used. The probe penetrates slightly intothe skin and results in measurements that are dependent upon theproperties of the outer layers of the skin, including the stratumcorneum and outer epidermis and some of the dermal layers.

Skin Softness/Suppleness Assay with a Gas Bearing Electrodynamometer:

Skin softness/suppleness can be evaluated using the Gas BearingElectrodynamometer, an instrument that measures the stress/strainproperties of the skin. The viscoelastic properties of skin correlatewith skin moisturization. Measurements can be obtained on thepredetermined site on the cheek area by attaching the probe to the skinsurface with double-stick tape. A force of approximately 3.5 gm can beapplied parallel to the skin surface and the skin displacement isaccurately measured. Skin suppleness can then be calculated and isexpressed as DSR (Dynamic Spring Rate in gm/mm).

Appearance of Lines and Wrinkles Assay with Replicas:

The appearance of lines and wrinkles on the skin can be evaluated usingreplicas, which is the impression of the skin's surface. Silicone rubberlike material can be used. The replica can be analyzed by imageanalysis. Changes in the visibility of lines and wrinkles can beobjectively quantified via the taking of silicon replicas form thesubjects' face and analyzing the replicas image using a computer imageanalysis system. Replicas can be taken from the eye area and the neckarea, and photographed with a digital camera using a low angle incidencelighting. The digital images can be analyzed with an image processingprogram and the are of the replicas covered by wrinkles or fine lineswas determined.

Surface Contour of the Skin Assay with a Profilometer/Stylus Method:

The surface contour of the skin can be measured by using theprofilometer/Stylus method. This includes either shining a light ordragging a stylus across the replica surface. The vertical displacementof the stylus can be fed into a computer via a distance transducer, andafter scanning a fixed length of replica a cross-sectional analysis ofskin profile can be generated as a two-dimensional curve. This scan canbe repeated any number of times along a fix axis to generate a simulated3-D picture of the skin. Ten random sections of the replicas using thestylus technique can be obtained and combined to generate averagevalues. The values of interest include Ra which is the arithmetic meanof all roughness (height) values computed by integrating the profileheight relative to the mean profile height. Rt which is the maximumvertical distance between the highest peak and lowest trough, and Rzwhich is the mean peak amplitude minus the mean peak height. Values aregiven as a calibrated value in mm. Equipment should be standardizedprior to each use by scanning metal standards of know values. Ra Valuecan be computed by the following equation: R_(a)=Standardize roughness;l_(m)=the traverse (scan) length; and y=the absolute value of thelocation of the profile relative to the mean profile height (x-axis).

MELANODERM™ Assay:

In other non-limiting aspects, the efficacy of the compositions of thepresent invention can be evaluated by using a skin analog, such as, forexample, MELANODERM™. Melanocytes, one of the cells in the skin analog,stain positively when exposed to L-dihydroxyphenyl alanine (L-DOPA), aprecursor of melanin. The skin analog, MELANODERM™, can be treated witha variety of bases containing the compositions and whitening agents ofthe present invention or with the base alone as a control.Alternatively, an untreated sample of the skin analog can be used as acontrol.

ORAC Assay:

Oxygen Radical Absorption (or Absorbance) Capacity (ORAC) of thearomatic skin-active ingredients and compositions can also be assayed bymeasuring the antioxidant activity of such ingredients or compositions.This assay can quantify the degree and length of time it takes toinhibit the action of an oxidizing agent such as oxygen radicals thatare known to cause damage cells (e.g., skin cells). The ORAC value ofthe aromatic skin-active ingredients and compositions can be determinedby methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art (see U.S.Publication Nos. 2004/0109905 and 2005/0163880; Cao et al. (1993)), allof which are incorporated by reference). In summary, the assay describedin Cao et al. (1993) measures the ability of antioxidant compounds intest materials to inhibit the decline of B-phycoerythrm (B-PE)fluorescence that is induced by a peroxyl radical generator, AAPH.

Matrix Metalloproteinase Enzyme Activity (MMP3; MMP9) Assay:

An in vitro matrix metalloprotease (MMP) inhibition assay. MMPs areextracellular proteases that play a role in many normal and diseasestates by virtue of their broad substrate specificity. MMP3 substratesinclude collagens, fibronectins, and laminin; while MMP9 substratesinclude collagen VII, fibronectins and laminin. Using Colorimetric DrugDiscovery kits from BioMol International for MMP3 (AK-400) and MMP-9(AK-410), this assay is designed to measure protease activity of MMPsusing a thiopeptide as a chromogenic substrate(Ac-PLG-[2-mercapto-4-methyl-pentanoyl]-LG-OC2H5)5,6. The MMP cleavagesite peptide bond is replaced by a thioester bond in the thiopeptide.Hydrolysis of this bond by an MMP produces a sulfhydryl group, whichreacts with DTNB [5,5′-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid), Ellman's reagent]to form 2-nitro-5-thiobenzoic acid, which can be detected by itsabsorbance at 412 nm (c=13,600 M-1 cm-1 at pH 6.0 and above 7).

B16 Melanogenesis Assay:

Melanogenesis is the process by which melanocytes produce melanin, anaturally produced pigment that imparts color to skin, hair, and eyes.Inhibiting melanogenesis is beneficial to prevent skin darkening andlighten dark spots associated with aging. This bioassay utilizes B16-F1melanocytes (ATCC), an immortalized mouse melanoma cell line, to analyzethe effect of compounds on melanogenesis. The endpoint of this assay isa spectrophotometric measurement of melanin production and cellularviability. B16-F1 melanocytes, can be cultivated in standard DMEM growthmedium with 10% fetal bovine serum (Mediatech) at 37° C. in 10% CO₂, andtreated with each of the extracts identified in the specification.Following incubation, melanin secretion can be measured by absorbance at405 nm and cellular viability can be quantified.

Collagen Stimulation Assay:

Collagen is an extracellular matrix protein critical for skin structure.Increased synthesis of collagen helps improve skin firmness andelasticity. This bioassay analyzes the effect of extracts on theproduction of procollagen peptide (a precursor to collagen) by humanepidermal fibroblasts. The endpoint of this assay is aspectrophotometric measurement that reflects the presence of procollagenpeptide and cellular viability. The assay employs the quantitativesandwich enzyme immunoassay technique whereby a monoclonal antibodyspecific for procollagen peptide has been pre-coated onto a microplate.Standards and samples are pipetted into the wells and any procollagenpeptide □present is bound by the immobilized antibody. After washingaway any unbound substances, an enzyme-linked polyclonal antibodyspecific for procollagen peptide is added to the wells. Following a washto remove any unbound antibody-enzyme reagent, a substrate solution isadded to the wells and color develops in proportion to the amount ofprocollagen peptide bound in the initial step using a microplate readerfor detection at 450 nm. The color development is stopped and theintensity of the color is measured.

In particular, the assay could be performed as follows: subconfluentnormal human adult epidermal fibroblasts (Cascade Biologics) cultivatedin standard DMEM growth medium with 10% fetal bovine serum (Mediatech)at 37° C. in 10% CO₂, can be treated with each of the extractsidentified in the specification. Following incubation, cell culturemedium can be collected and the amount of procollagen peptide secretioncan be quantified using a sandwich enzyme linked immuno-sorbant assay(ELISA) from Takara (#MK101).

All of the skin-active ingredients, compositions, or methods disclosedand claimed in this specification can be made and executed without undueexperimentation in light of the present disclosure. While theskin-active ingredients, compositions, or methods of this invention havebeen described in terms of particular embodiments, it will be apparentto those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to theskin-active ingredients, compositions, or methods and in the steps or inthe sequence of steps of the method described herein without departingfrom the concept, spirit and scope of the invention.

1-18. (canceled)
 19. A method for reducing oxidation in the skin, themethod comprising topically applying to the skin a compositioncomprising from 0.001% to 20% by weight of an aqueous, alcoholic, oraqueous-alcoholic extract from Cystacanthus paniculatus, wherein theextract from Cystacanthus paniculatus, reduces oxidation in the skin.20. The method of claim 19, wherein the composition is applied to a fineline or wrinkle.
 21. The method of claim 19, wherein the composition isan emulsion.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the composition is anoil-in-water emulsion.
 23. The method of claim 19, wherein thecomposition is a cream or a lotion.
 24. The method of claim 19, whereinthe composition is a solution.
 25. The method of claim 19, wherein thecomposition is anhydrous.
 26. The method of claim 19, wherein thecomposition comprises 0.001% to 5%, by weight, of the extract.
 27. Themethod of claim 19, further comprising: (a) water; (b) a chelatingagent; (c) a moisturizing agent; (d) a preservative; and (e) athickening agent.
 28. The method of claim 19, wherein the compositionfurther comprises at least 40% by weight of water.
 29. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the extract is in liquid form and comprises theextracting solvent.
 30. The method of claim 19, wherein the extract is alyophilized extract in powdered form.
 31. The method of claim 19,wherein the extract is from the whole plant of Cystacanthus paniculatus.32. The method of claim 19, wherein the extract is an alcoholic extract.33. The method of claim 32, wherein the alcoholic extract is anethanolic extract.